PhD Studentship: Developing Finite Element Models for Pellet Relocation in Nuclear Reactor Fuel

This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia focuses on advancing nuclear fuel performance modelling by developing finite element models in COMSOL. The project aims to improve predictions of pellet-clad interaction (PCI) in nuclear reactors, addressing gaps in current commercial codes like Abaqus. The successful candidate will conduct literature reviews, benchmark models against existing codes, validate results with experimental data, and propose future code enhancements. Collaboration with Amentum staff is integral, and security clearance will be required during the PhD. This opportunity is ideal for engineering or physics graduates with a strong interest in nuclear safety and computational modelling.

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on pellet-clad interaction (PCI) and fuel performance codes.
• Develop and implement finite element models in COMSOL to simulate PCI in nuclear reactors.
• Assess COMSOL’s capabilities to capture key physical processes in nuclear fuel performance.
• Benchmark the COMSOL model against existing codes, particularly the ‘mortar’ method in BISON.
• Validate the model using experimental data and OECD ‘Pellet-Cladding Mechanical Interaction (PCMI)’ benchmark results.
• Identify areas for future code development, including modelling postulated loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs).
• Collaborate closely with Amentum staff to integrate findings into industry applications.
• Obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance during the PhD and maintain eligibility for post-PhD security checks.