Tommaso Pernatsch
PhD thesis title: Modelling and Analysis of the Fission Product Deposition in Generation-IV Molten Salt Reactor
Academic Tutor: Davide Bortot
Academic Supervisor: Stefano Lorenzi
Industrial Supervisor: Rocco Moretti
Affiliate external company or research group: Nuclear Abundant Affordable Resourceful Energy for All (NAAREA)
PhD cycle: 39° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering: Internal combustion engine and turbomachinery, Politecnico di Milano
Planned 6 months at NAAREA research center in Paris
Thesis abstract
I’m developing a multiphysics modelling framework to study insoluble fission product behavior in Molten Salt Reactors. Using OpenFOAM, I aim to simulate the generation, transport, and deposition of both solid and gaseous fission products. By adopting an Eulerian-Lagrangian approach for solids, I capture particle interactions more realistically. This work supports the design of safer, more efficient reactors and is carried out in collaboration with NAAREA.
Personal interest in my research theme
I’m passionate about advanced nuclear reactors. Molten Salt Reactors offer unique advantages, but also present complex and unique challenges, especially regarding fission product behavior. I’m particularly interested in how physics, engineering, and computation come together to solve these issues. This project lets me contribute to innovation in reactor design while deepening my knowledge in computational fluid dynamics, particle transport, and thermal-hydraulics.
