Seminar: Advanced Solvers for Radiation Transport - Department of Nuclear Engineering Seminar: Advanced Solvers for Radiation Transport - Department of Nuclear Engineering

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Seminar: Advanced Solvers for Radiation Transport

February 1, 2018 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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Dr. Rachel Slaybaugh
Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering
University of California, Berkeley

 

Abstract

We need innovation in the nuclear space to enable new (and maintain existing) reactors, enhance nuclear security, and improve nuclear science. To truly enable breakthroughs by investigating new ideas rapidly, we need accurate simulation and appropriate research tools. This requires new methods in computational neutron transport, among others.
This talk will cover one Monte Carlo variance reduction method for problems containing strong anisotropies, such as shields that contain small gaps or embedded metal plates. The presentation will also discuss a metaheuristic optimization tool that automatically designs energy tuning assemblies to convert a neutron source that you have into one that you need. These talks illustrate the kinds of approaches we are taking to enable better simulation and create better tools for penetrating radiation detection and measurement.

Finally, this talk will briefly cover educational initiatives bringing an innovative mindset into the nuclear field.

Biography

Rachel Slaybaugh is an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Prof. Slaybaugh researches computational methods applied to nuclear reactors, nuclear non-proliferation and security, and shielding. Slaybaugh is currently serving as a Program Director at ARPA-E. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Breakthrough Institute and at the Berkeley Institute of Data Science.

 Slaybaugh received a BS in Nuclear Engineering from Penn State, where she served as a licensed nuclear reactor operator, and a PhD from University of Wisconsin–Madison in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics with a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. Slaybaugh’s Rickover Fellowship took her to Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory prior to joining Berkeley.

Details

Date:
February 1, 2018
Time:
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

1202 Burlington Labs
2500 Stinson Drive
Raleigh, NC 27695-7909 United States
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Phone
919.515.2301