MSCA - Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) on “Analysis of the Startup and Shutdown Transient Dynamics of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket”

Research project description

The use of nuclear reactors in space promises to boost manned and unmanned space exploration during the next decades. Fission reactors used for both nuclear propulsion and/or power generation have proven to overwhelm the propulsive capabilities given by the actual chemical propulsion systems and to ensure a constant supply of electrical power to the spacecraft, even in the most remote corners of the solar system. The research activities will involve the coupled reactor physics and thermal-hydraulic multi-physical analysis of a Nuclear Thermal Engine, using both deterministic transport or diffusion methods and continuous-energy Monte Carlo method for the neutronics calculations, and will be focused on a detailed modelling and study of the dynamics of the overall Nuclear Thermal Rocket in all its main components (feeding system, fission reactor, coolant channels, thrust chamber, etc.), with particular attention to the startup and shutdown transients.

The research activities will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Angelo Pasini.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications (13^th September 2023). Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.

At the call deadline, the applicant must have a maximum of 8 years experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree. Years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.

Mobility Rule: The applicant may be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy (for European Fellowships) or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (in case of Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before 13^th September 2023.

Application procedure

Expressions of interest must be sent by email to angelo.pasini@unipi.it no later than the 10^th of June 2023 and must consist of two pdf files:

1. Complete and updated CV, clearly demonstrating all 3 eligibility requirements.
2. Motivation letter, maximum one page.