Nuclear Systems and Safety
This research theme focuses on advancing the safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of nuclear power systems, with a particular emphasis on the UAE’s APR1400 reactors. The theme addresses critical challenges in neutronics, thermal hydraulics, and safe plant operation through cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches.
Key ongoing efforts include:
- Developing computational tools for severe accident scenarios, such as IVR-ERVC systems, modeling natural/mixed convection, phase changes, and ex-vessel boiling dynamics.
- Evaluating Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATFs) for enhanced safety and economic benefits, with neutronics analysis and core management strategies for BNPP.
- Optimizing reactor performance by integrating energy storage technologies for adaptable and efficient APR1400 operations.
- Participating in the OECD-ATLAS project to validate safety codes like RELAP5 and TRACE using integral effect test facilities for both design and beyond-design-basis accidents.
Nuclear Materials and Chemistry
Theme 2 focuses on improving material technology and structural integrity solutions to enhance nuclear power plant components’ safety, efficiency, and longevity. Key initiatives include developing nanoporous oxide coatings for better corrosion and wear resistance in cooling systems, addressing sulphate-induced deterioration in concrete structures, and assessing accident-tolerant fuels (ATFs) like Cr-coated zirconium cladding for safer reactor operations. Additionally, a multi-physics modeling framework is being created to improve the butt fusion welding of HDPE pipes in nuclear infrastructure. These efforts address critical issues in materials efficacy, structural longevity, and operational robustness in nuclear energy systems.
Key ongoing efforts include:
- Engineering advanced oxide layers to enhance corrosion and wear resistance of cooling water system components under nuclear operating conditions.
- Predicting sulphate attack degradation using experiments and modeling, and developing sustainable solutions.
- Fabrication and characterization of Cr-coated zirconium claddings to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and corrosion performance for next-generation nuclear fuel safety. Investigating interfacial stability and microstructural evolution of cladding materials to improve oxidation resistance in high-temperature, high-pressure environments.
- Creating a coupled simulation and experimental methodology to optimize butt fusion welding (BFW) parameters for large-diameter HDPE pipes used in nuclear plant infrastructure.
Radiation Safety and the Environment
This research theme focuses on understanding, assessing, and mitigating the impact of radiation on the environment, particularly within the Gulf region. It addresses potential radiological releases during normal operations and accidental scenarios from nuclear power plants and the use of nuclear technologies in industries such as petrochemicals, medicine, and research. Special attention is given to protecting sensitive ecosystems and populations in arid environments, supporting the UAE鈥檚 nuclear safety and environmental sustainability goals.
Main research areas include radiological environmental impact assessments using both simulations and experimental studies, mapping ecosystem responses, and developing dispersion models for marine, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. The theme also advances radioecology studies tailored to arid regions.
Key ongoing efforts include:
- Establishing research projects focused on radiological environmental impact analyses in the Gulf region using advanced numerical and experimental methodologies.
- Developing and validating dispersion models for sea, land, and air environments in collaboration with international and national partners.
- Establishing and managing the ENTC Radiochemistry Laboratoryat Khalifa University to support research, education, and stakeholder services in radiochemistry and environmental monitoring.
- Collaborating with industry stakeholders, international institutions, and regulatory bodies to enhance radiation safety and environmental risk assessments, particularly in arid environments.
Advanced Nuclear Technology
This research theme explores the potential of advanced nuclear technology, including nuclear applications beyond electricity generation. It focuses聽on innovative solutions that address energy, as well as聽societal challenges in the UAE and globally. Main research areas include small and micro reactors, AI and ML in reactor neutronics calculations, and quantum algorithms in nuclear applications, fusion, and multidisciplinary health, water, agriculture, and nuclear security solutions.
Key ongoing efforts include:
- Developing quantum-inspired algorithms for nuclear reactor physics.
- Developing quantum-inspired algorithms for computational fluid dynamics.聽
- Evaluate the implementation of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies to assist in electric resource planning and socio-economic impact analysis.
