Professor of Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering

Academic Division: Energy, Fluids and Turbomachinery

Research group: Energy

Telephone: +44 1223 7 48557

Email: es607@cam.ac.uk

Research interests

My research is focused on modeling techniques and design of advanced nuclear energy systems intended to address future global energy needs in environmentally conscious and resource-sustainable way.

Nuclear reactors are an integral part of a broader concept known as nuclear fuel cycle, which includes many other components affecting the social and economic benefits and costs of nuclear energy. Traditionally, reactor technologies were driving the choice of other fuel cycle components. This, on the overall balance of costs and benefits, may not be the most efficient approach. Therefore, optimization of such nuclear fuel cycle choices is another focus area of my research.

Introducing revolutionary reactor technologies takes a long time so that traditional Light Water cooled Reactors will inevitably remain dominant technology for many decades. Therefore, improving performance and safety of the existing reactor fleet should also have high priority. In this area, a part of my research  is dedicated to studying Thorium based fuel in combination with advanced cladding material such as SiC which may be capable of achieving ultra-high burnup (long fuel cycles at high power densities) while at the same time providing higher safety margin.

Strategic themes

Energy, transport and urban infrastructure

Nuclear fuel cycle optimisation, modelling and design of advanced reactors.