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Master's thesis/internship opportunity at ENEA
Topic: Neutronic 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 arranging a core configuration for this phase which ensures adequate margins of subcriticality, meaning gives reasonable assurance that in the most severe accidents foreseen the reactor will not initiate a chain reaction and ensuing radiation damage. Core design considerations and modelling skills with neuronic codes will be developed in the thesis work
Published on: December 20 2025
