Matteo Gherardi

Master's thesis/internship opportunity at ENEA

Topic: Mechanical design and characterization of the optimal core configuration during the launch phase of a Surface Nuclear Reactor for Moon exploration

Where: Bologna

Details: Differently to standard nuclear reactors for terrestrial applications, Surface Nuclear Reactors (SNRs) experience a peculiar situation: the launch phase from a terrestrial launch site. This phase is characterized by high loading on the system support structures which ultimately propagates to the core. Considering the safety necessity to guarantee that eventual accidental scenario are within applicable limits in terms of radiation damage to the crew and in general people and the environment, specific engineering measures must be foreseen to adequately protect the system and, in particular, its core. The thesis will therefore focus on the study of the propagation of loads from the carrier to the SNR, and particularly the core, to assess the loads on the most critical components. Critical area will be pinpointed accordingly and design features introduced or modified to ensure that loads falls within prescribed limits to ensure component integrity. The thesis work will therefore include a study of credible loads at launch, setting the proper model for evaluating the propagation of the loads to the core and it components and then the introduction of design modifications or new features of selected critical regions

Published on: December 20 2025