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UK funding (£5,761,842): Mathematical Theory of Radiation Transport: Nuclear Technology Frontiers (MaThRad) Ukri1 Jan 2023 UK Research and Innovation, United Kingdom

Overview

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Mathematical Theory of Radiation Transport: Nuclear Technology Frontiers (MaThRad)

Abstract Nuclear technology is, by definition, based around the principle of subatomic physics and the interaction of radiation particles with materials. Whilst the microscopic behaviour of such systems is well understood, the degree of inhomogeneity involved means that the ability to predict the flux of particles through complex physical environments on the macroscopic (human) scale is a significant challenge. This lies at the heart of how we design, regulate and operate some of the most important technologies for the twenty-first century. This includes building new reactors (fission and fusion), decommissioning old ones, medical radiation therapy, as well as opening the way forward into space technologies through e.g. the development of space-bound mini-reactors for off-world bases and protection for high-tech equipment exposed to high-energy radiation such as satellites and spacesuits. Accurate prediction of how radiation interacts with surrounding matter is based on modelling through the so-called Boltzmann transport equation (BTE). Many of the existing methods used in this field date back decades and rely on principles of simulated (e.g. neutron) particle counting obtained by Monte Carlo and other numerical methods. Input from the mathematical sciences community since the 1980s has been limited. In the meantime, various mathematical theories have since emerged that present the opportunity for entirely new approaches. Together with powerful modern HPC and smarter algorithms, they have the capacity to handle significantly more complex scenarios e.g. time dependence, rare-event sampling and variance reduction as well as multi-physics modelling. This five-year interdisciplinary programme of research will combine modern mathematical methods from probability theory, advanced Monte Carlo methods and inverse problems to develop novel approaches to the theory and application of radiation transport. We will pursue an interactive exploration of foundational, translational and application-driven research; developing predictive models with quantifiable accuracy and software prototypes, ready for real-world implementation in the energy, healthcare and space nuclear industries. This programme grant will unite complementary research groups from mathematics, engineering and medical physics, leading to sustained critical mass in academic knowledge and expertise. Through a diverse team of researchers, we will lead advances in radiation modelling that are disruptive to the current paradigm, ensuring that the UK is at the forefront of the 21st century nuclear industry.
Category Research Grant
Reference EP/W026899/2
Status Active
Funded period start 01/01/2023
Funded period end 31/08/2027
Funded value £5,761,842.00
Source https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FW026899%2F2

Participating Organisations

University of Warwick
Rolls-Royce Plc (UK)
EDF Energy Plc (UK)
Rutherford Cancer Centres
Sellafield Ltd
NASA
Jacobs
University Hospital NHS Trust
Helmholtz Centre Dresden-Rossendorf
INRIA Bordeaux
Tsinghua University
CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) (France)
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)
National Physical Laboratory NPL
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA
Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Trust
CCFE/UKAEA
University of Auckland
Swiss Federal Inst of Technology (EPFL)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited
OECD
Aurora Health Physics Services LTD

The filing refers to a past date, and does not necessarily reflect the current state. The current state is available on the following page: University of Warwick, Coventry.

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