Modelling of rock spalling in deep spent nuclear fuel repositories

The proposed research project is aimed at the predictive modeling of rock spalling, which is expected to occur in the final deep repository for spent nuclear fuel in Forsmark, Sweden. The main goal of the project is to model, both analytically and numerically, using rigorous principles of rock and fracture mechanics, the thermomechanical process of rock spalling, and its dependence on rock heterogeneity, pre-existing fractures, and the in situ stress field.

The numerical component of the modeling will make use of the finiteelement-based Imperial College Geomechanics Toolkit (ICGT). The analytical component of the modeling will make use of true-triaxial failure criteria that have proven to be very successful in modeling borehole stability problems.

Requirements
Applicants should hold an MS degree in Earth science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, physics, or any area of science/engineering that provides a strong background in numerical modelling. Additionally, applicants should possess (a) knowledge of continuum mechanics, and (b) the ability to program in a scientific programming language such as C/C++ or Python.

Other details
This 3.5-year PhD studentship will cover Imperial College UK/EU tuition fees, and a non-taxable bursary of £16,000 per year. The student will be part of the Rock Mechanics Group, and will work under the supervision of Prof. Robert Zimmerman, Dr. Adriana Paluszny, and Dr. Diego Mas Ivars (SKB, Sweden), with frequent interaction with other staff from SKB. The studentship is available to start on 1 October 2018.

Application Procedure
To apply, send a copy of your CV, including academic transcripts, to Prof. Robert Zimmerman, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; [Email Address Removed]. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2018.

Women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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