One-Speed Neutron Diffusion

with Japan Patel, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Thursday, June 30, 10:30-11:30 am
440 Goodwin Hall and virtually
(contact Alida Spaulding for access)

Neutron diffusion theory has been an essential part of nuclear engineering training for decades. It provides reactor analysts with a straightforward way to estimate neutron distributions and evaluate the neutronic behavior of reactor cores. The interview seminar will begin with a brief derivation of the one-speed neutron diffusion equation. Subsequently, it will briefly touch upon a couple of the projects Dr. Patel has been involved with – 1) estimation of the time to trip a steam generator in presence of malicious spoofing of plant parameters, and 2) Fokker-Planck-based acceleration for transport problems with highly forward-peaked scattering. The seminar will conclude with a discussion on teaching philosophy and interests.

Japan Patel is currently a research fellow in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He currently works on the development of a toolkit to detect and mitigate cyber intrusions into the instrumentation and control systems of nuclear power plants (the GPWR Simulator is used as a surrogate for real plants). Additionally, he works with the university hospital to estimate optimal scheduling and dosage for stand-alone radiotherapy and its combination with immunotherapy to design clinical trials. He previously worked at the Ohio State University where he developed a synthetic acceleration technique for nonclassical transport problems. He obtained his doctoral degree in nuclear engineering from the University of New Mexico where his research focused on developing efficient solvers for classical transport problems with highly forward-peaked scattering. He has recently started developing keen interest in inverse treatment planning for radiotherapy, and the use of blockchain technology for securing I&C systems of nuclear power plants. He serves as a mentor with University of Michigan’s optiMIze program that helps undergraduate and graduate students convert their ideas into startups.

Host: Dr. Mark Pierson