Heat mapping of nuclear waste using panel detectors

Understanding the distribution and types of radioactive materials in vessels containing nuclear waste is critical to the UK’s waste management strategy. This project aims to investigate the feasibility for applying existing radiation portal monitoring technology to the heat mapping of sources of radiation within various geometries of container. The project will combine Monte-Carlo simulations, to determine feasibility and optimal detector layout, and measurement using scintillator detectors arrays to assess the ability to determine the distribution of radioactive material. There will also be an element of algorithm development required to produce the final heat mapping solution. The heat mapping will be combined with X-ray images to provide a comprehensive overview of the waste containers that will ultimately inform its management. This project will be conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner in Rapiscan, world-leading experts in X-ray imaging and radiation monitoring technologies.

The student will be supported during this project by a supervisory team of 3 academics that includes expertise in nuclear physics and Monte-Carlo simulations along with the industrial expertise from Rapiscan. The nuclear physics group at Manchester includes 5 academics and 3 fellows as well as 6 research associates and 14 students currently. There is an established Rapiscan-Manchester collaborative team that includes a Research Associate and Phd students. The group has access to computing facilities for Monte-Carlo simulations and a detector development laboratory with technician support. The data capture component of the project will take place at Rapiscan’s imaging test facility near Stoke-on-Trent where the student will work within a team of graduate physicists, accelerator scientists and test facility technicians to complete this portion of the project.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

How to apply

• Please complete theenquiry form to express your interest
• We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project. You can find their details herePhD projects | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN)
• Ifyour qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.

Our application process can also be found on our website:Apply | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN)

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