NE Postdoctoral Projects

The Nuclear Engineering (NE) Division conducts research and development in engineering, analytical methods, experiments and material sciences, with concentration in nuclear technology and related sciences. Major areas of emphasis include research in nuclear safety technology, reactor fuel cycle analysis, reactor physics, criticality safety, non-proliferation technology, reactor and nuclear facility design, performance and safety evaluation, decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and environmental management support.

This Division is responsible for a wide spectrum of technology development programs that require the integration of engineering disciplines in nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technologies. The Division has actively participated in applying its core competencies to programs in other fields of nuclear and non-nuclear technology. The major program areas in which the Division is involved in are development of advanced nuclear energy systems and supporting technologies, international nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and engineering analysis, consisting of advanced computing and simulation, engineering mechanics, and materials behavior in engineered systems.

The Division conducts research and development by applying its analysis and engineering capabilities in reactor physics, criticality safety, engineering design, engineering mechanics, safety experiments, safety analysis, materials, computer simulation, instrumentation and control, nondestructive evaluation techniques, components and systems testing, thermal hydraulics and diagnostics. The Division is particularly strong in the areas of ceramic superconductors, high-temperature properties of metals and ceramics, corrosion, and radiation effects.

A major Division mission is in Arms Control, National Security, and Nonproliferation. The Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) program is an important area of emphasis. A primary objective is the development of high density, low enrichment fuel research and test reactors that can be used to replace the current high-enrichment fuels in these reactors worldwide, thereby reducing the threat that these reactors could be subverted for a weapons program. Other program areas include export control, material control and accounting, nuclear and radiological material security, and information technology and security.

The Dismantlement, Deactivation, Decontamination, Decommissioning and Disposal (generally abbreviated as D&D) of aging nuclear facilities is a key area that addresses a large problem for the DOE, US nuclear utilities and international organizations. The development of new technologies and their demonstrations on surplus ANL nuclear facilities and elsewhere form a key part of the work. In addition, there are a number of other areas in which technology development is being undertaken. These include detector technology, robotics, rad-waste technology and security, and laser applications.

List of Postdoctoral Projects

Select a category to view related NE postdoctoral projects.