The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following fully funded PhD project commencing in October 2023.
Intended Supervisory Team:
Lead supervisor: Dr Tristan Pryer, Department of Mathematical Sciences
Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr Luca Zanetti, Department of Mathematical Sciences
Industrial Co-Supervisor: Dr Ansar Calloo, CEA (subject to contract)
Overview of the Research:
The design and safety studies of nuclear reactors requires the solution of many multi-physics problems. This approximation is often prohibitively computationally expensive as it requires coupling of complex neutronics and thermal hydraulics dynamics. New techniques that are both efficient and accurate need to be developed to meet the challenge.
The goal of this PhD work is to conceive and develop numerical schemes to solve the Boltzmann equation for neutron transport on polygonal and polyhedral meshes within the context of finite element methods for the spatial discretisation, and related techniques for other variables. Furthermore, this PhD work will also encompass research on graph algorithms for partitioning a set of ordered mesh cells. The result a fast algorithm to facilitate parallel computation.
The ideal candidate will have some experience in PDE modelling and fundamental numerical analysis as well as some experience in coding. There is no requirement for graph theory expertise. The successful applicant will benefit from participating in meetings with both domestic and international collaborators as well as possibility for visits to the industrial collaborator CEA (subject to contract), the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission based in Paris. Furthermore, they will be trained in highly transferable modelling.
Project keywords: Nuclear reactors, Boltzmann transport, Sweeping methods, Numerical analysis.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Tristan Pryer on email address [Email Address Removed].
Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mathematics.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Note: Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.
Funding Eligibility:
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK and Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
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