A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Michael Corradini
April 20, 2007

Abstract

In the midst of new power cycle designs being studied for future power plants, the use of supercritical fluid has generated more and more interest for the scientific and engineering community. Indeed it has been shown that use of supercritical fluid can simplify the cycle by avoiding the presence of a second phase, and can increase the thermal efficiency due to an increased operating temperature.

Generation IV reactor systems, whether they be thermal reactor systems or fast reactor systems, have been considering the use of supercritical fluids for energy transfer, power conversion or production of other energy products (e.g., hydrogen). This talk will present an overview of GENIV reactor systems as well as discuss some of the more challenging engineering research in supercritical fluids; e.g., supercritical fluid stability, heat transfer degradation, critical flow.

Biography

Prof. Corradini is a mechanical and nuclear engineer with research interests centered primarily in thermal hydraulics and multiphase flow. He especially emphasizes the areas of reactor operation, reactor safety, waste reprocessing, and recycle and risk assessment. He is director of the University of Wisconsin's Wisconsin Institute of Nuclear Systems.

The goal of his research in multiphase flow is to help students understand basic physical phenomena which they analytically model or experimentally measure. Current research programs focus on four areas:

1. First, light water safety research analytically and/or experimentally looks at physical processes for accidents that go beyond the design base (degraded-core or core-melt accidents). These processes include hydrogen generation, molten fuel (coolant interactions, debris-bed formation and heat transfer, and molten core), concrete interactions, and containment response. All of these physical processes are coupled together under the risk assessment methodology and deterministic analyses.
2. Second, light water reactor operation research aids Midwestern utilities in simulator modeling, operator training and accident response and nuclear systems analysis. Research results contribute to advanced fission reactor designs.
3. Third, fusion reactor research identifies and analyzes generic thermal hydraulic phenomena to improve current design studies including liquid-metal heat transfer and liquid-metal/water-safety concerns.
4. Finally, his graduate students are developing new technologies related to waste reprocessing and recycling (e.g., molten metal systems). These technologies minimize waste streams and recover valued by-products.