Pure and applied nuclear structure research with radioactive ion beams at Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU). The structure of exotic neutron-rich nuclei will be investigated at the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) radioactive ion beam facility using new and novel detector systems. The results will enhance our fundamental understanding of the atomic nucleus and stellar nucleosynthesis as well as provide important data for the development of next generation nuclear reactor ....Pure and applied nuclear structure research with radioactive ion beams at Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU). The structure of exotic neutron-rich nuclei will be investigated at the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) radioactive ion beam facility using new and novel detector systems. The results will enhance our fundamental understanding of the atomic nucleus and stellar nucleosynthesis as well as provide important data for the development of next generation nuclear reactors.Read moreRead less
Laboratory studies of Nucleosynthesis via Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. This project aims at laboratory studies of stellar nucleosynthesis applying ultra-sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements. The project will focus on reactions which are essential to open questions in modelling nucleosynthesis in stars, that is where no data exist at all, or are scarce and discrepant; in particular for neutron- and charged-particle induced reactions relevant to the s-and p-process where an ....Laboratory studies of Nucleosynthesis via Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. This project aims at laboratory studies of stellar nucleosynthesis applying ultra-sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements. The project will focus on reactions which are essential to open questions in modelling nucleosynthesis in stars, that is where no data exist at all, or are scarce and discrepant; in particular for neutron- and charged-particle induced reactions relevant to the s-and p-process where an extremely sensitive detection method is required. New data for key nuclear reactions will be connected with theory, for testing and improving theoretical predictions. They will be highly beneficial for modelling the respective nucleosynthesis processes in stars and for our understanding of the elemental abundance of our solar system.Read moreRead less
Multi-region relaxation dynamics in fusion and stellar plasmas. This project aims to apply a static plasma modelling approach to linear modes of vibration and nonlinear explosive events in toroidally confined fusion plasma experiments and stellar atmospheres. The long-term survival of advanced civilisation depends on the development of reliable and ecologically sustainable energy sources. One of the most promising approaches for baseload electrical power is magnetic confinement fusion: harnessin ....Multi-region relaxation dynamics in fusion and stellar plasmas. This project aims to apply a static plasma modelling approach to linear modes of vibration and nonlinear explosive events in toroidally confined fusion plasma experiments and stellar atmospheres. The long-term survival of advanced civilisation depends on the development of reliable and ecologically sustainable energy sources. One of the most promising approaches for baseload electrical power is magnetic confinement fusion: harnessing, in a magnetic field, the nuclear reactions that power stars. This project will develop powerful new ways of modelling strong plasma instabilities in magnetised plasmas. Learning how to avoid these would remove a key barrier to fusion power.Read moreRead less
Anisotropy and flow in fast-particle dominated and burning tokamak plasmas: stability of ITER and the coming demonstration fusion power plant. This project will identify how beam injected and fusion born alphas affect the magnetic ?eld and excite wave modes in spherical tokamaks, where these particles have the most impact. Understanding these effects is critical to long pulse operation of high performance tokamaks with burning plasmas. In the UK spherical tokamak MAST for instance, fast ion driv ....Anisotropy and flow in fast-particle dominated and burning tokamak plasmas: stability of ITER and the coming demonstration fusion power plant. This project will identify how beam injected and fusion born alphas affect the magnetic ?eld and excite wave modes in spherical tokamaks, where these particles have the most impact. Understanding these effects is critical to long pulse operation of high performance tokamaks with burning plasmas. In the UK spherical tokamak MAST for instance, fast ion driven bursty “chirping modes” and “?shbone” modes evolve into "long-lived" modes damaging plasma performance. This project will resolve the physics of the seed fast ion driven mode, its linear threshold and fully nonlinear evolution. Wider outcomes include scoping the impact of beams and alphas in next step burning plasma experiments, such as a nuclear facility for materials development, ITER, and a fusion power plant.Read moreRead less
Emergence and control of self-organisation in fusion plasmas: through the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and beyond. Fusion is a carbon free technology, which promises millions of years of base-load power. The promise has led to massive support for the proof-of-principle experiment, ITER. A challenge facing ITER is minimising edge instabilities, which can destroy the plasma facing wall. The project will explore if a new model can describe and control these instabilities.
Understanding helium induced nanostructure formation. This project addresses the interaction dynamics of high-flux helium particles with materials that drives surface nanowire growth. These dynamics are important to nuclear reactor materials and to developing new nanotechnology materials for high energy density lithium-ion battery anodes and water splitting catalysts. Through model and experiment, this project expects to generate new knowledge of processes that drive sub-surface nano-bubble form ....Understanding helium induced nanostructure formation. This project addresses the interaction dynamics of high-flux helium particles with materials that drives surface nanowire growth. These dynamics are important to nuclear reactor materials and to developing new nanotechnology materials for high energy density lithium-ion battery anodes and water splitting catalysts. Through model and experiment, this project expects to generate new knowledge of processes that drive sub-surface nano-bubble formation and surface nanowire growth in materials exposed to helium particles. This project will result in improved understanding of material degradation during nuclear reactor operation and will make a new contribution to high-value manufacturing capabilities for next generation energy systems.Read moreRead less