Modelling of nanoparticles for enhancing heat recovery from nuclear reactors

Nanoparticles have demonstrated their capabilities for the enhancement of heat transfer for nuclear reactors but yet the mechanisms by which they achieve this and how their stability can be maintained under extreme conditions remain unclear. This PhD project aims to explore these issues with two main objectives: to use the kinetic theory of aggregation to model the aggregation state of nanoparticles and how this state will affect the critical heat flux; and to develop a measure for the control and prediction of the stability of nanoparticles in high temperature critical heat flux occurring conditions.

Project Information
Nanoparticles suspended in fluids, often referred to as nanofluids, are engineered colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles (at least one principal dimension is within the range of 1–100 nm) in liquids (usually water) at low concentrations (<1.0 vol %). It has been demonstrated that they have the potential to enhance the heat transfer in nuclear reactors by up to 200% depending on the type of nanoparticles used, their concentration and the nuclear reactor design1. Experimental observations have shown that the thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficient of nanofluids do not appear to be significantly different compared to that of pure water; however, the boiling critical heat flux (CHF) has been found to increase significantly for nanoparticles at relatively low concentrations (<0.1 vol %)2–4 compared to that of pure water. This provides a great opportunity for nanofluids to deliver higher heat transfer efficiency (by some 20% uprate) by allowing nucleate boiling as the heat transfer mode for power generation compared to the normal convective transfer mode for light water1, 5, 6.

However, despite intensive research on the thermal properties of nanofluids over the last decade, a number of knowledge gaps1 still exist including a lack of fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which nanofluids enhance CHF and of the stability of nanofluids during prolonged exposure to the environment of a nuclear reactor core. Greater insight into these areas is vital in order for nanofluids to be used as the heat transfer medium in nuclear reactors.

Candidate Requirements
Open to applicants who are UK or EU citizens.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area including biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, geochemistry, analytical chemistry or material science. Some experience of geomicrobiology or environmental microbiology would be an advantage.

Application
• Complete the Studentship Application Form: https://www.hud.ac.uk/media/assets/document/research/Material_studentship_application_form.docx
• Provide a current detailed CV, identifying any research employment or experience and, where applicable, details of research conference presentations or publications.
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Send all of the above to [Email Address Removed]

Closing Date for applications: 30.06.2017