Mostafa Hamza

Research Description

With a research focus on human reliability analysis (HRA) for advanced multi-module nuclear power plants, Mostafa is an active participant in the development of a dynamic probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) platform at NCSU. His work involves coupling HRA methods with the platform, leveraging codes like ADS-IDAC to develop a comprehensive, open-source, object-oriented PRA code. Mostafa, in collaboration with his advisor Dr. Mihai A. Diaconeasa, has developed a methodology to implement HRA during the early stages of design, meeting the requirements of the Licensing Modernization Project (LMP) methodology and the Probabilistic Risk Assessment Standard for Advanced Non-Light Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plants.

Mostafa’s current research also involves supporting the design of X-energy’s high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), the Xe-100. Following the LMP methodology, he is contributing to the risk-informed, performance-based design of the advanced reactor. His involvement includes the development of several PRA elements and supporting the goal of the ARPA-E GEMINA program, which aims to reduce the required staff within the Xe-100’s control room, thereby improving its operational and maintenance cost-effectiveness.

My research focus is on probabilistic risk assessment methods development for:

• Risk-informed performance-based design and licensing.
• Advanced reactor design and safety analysis.
• Dynamic probabilistic risk assessment.

Background

Mostafa Hamza is a doctoral candidate in the Nuclear Engineering Department at North Carolina State University (NCSU). He joined the program in January 2020 and holds a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from NCSU. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear and Radiation Engineering from Alexandria University, Egypt.

Proficient in languages such as C++ and Python, and experienced with various tools and codes including MCNP, SAPHIRE, and COMSOL Multiphysics, Mostafa’s diverse skill set extends to teaching. He has served as a teaching assistant at Alexandria University and currently holds a similar role in the nuclear reactor energy conversion course at NCSU.

Mostafa’s passion for his field is evident in his active participation in seminars, workshops, and summer schools, including the IAEA technical meeting on high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and molten salt reactors. Notably, he was part of a team that won the Best Team Presentation Award at INL’s MEV summer school on risk-informed methods and applications in the nuclear energy community.

Looking ahead, Mostafa’s future goals include building a comprehensive PRA code that integrates human reliability analysis methods, utilizing advancements from existing codes like RAVEN and ADS-IDAC. He aspires to secure a post-doctoral position in the PRA group of a national laboratory or a distinguished university, with the long-term goal of joining the faculty of a renowned institution. Through collaboration with other groups, universities, and national labs, he aims to further advance PRA research and address the challenges associated with dynamic PRA and HRA.

Education

Awards

Teaching

• TA for NE 400, Nuclear Reactor Energy Conversion, 2022-2023

Service

External Profiles

• Google Scholar
• Research Gate
• LinkedIn