Two Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. Students highlighted the critical role of Khalifa University鈥檚 Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC), a key partner in the UAE鈥檚 peaceful nuclear energy program, in ensuring nuclear reactor safety, during an interview with Emirates TV鈥檚 Sabah Al Emarat 辫谤辞驳谤补尘.听
Asma Al Zarouni and Sameer Osman also offered viewers details of their research work focusing on areas ranging from Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) to cooling strategies for in-vessel retention in extreme conditions during the program. With key stakeholders such as the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), and the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) the ENTC fosters advancements that align with the UAE’s vision for sustainability and clean energy leadership.聽
With a strong foundation in chemical and nuclear engineering, Al Zarouni’s research has centered on enhancing thermal performance and safety of power plants. Her MSc thesis explored accident-tolerant fuel coatings, while her ongoing PhD research focuses on condensation phenomena in cooling systems鈥攂oth critical areas in advancing reactor technology. Osman applies his expertise in thermal-hydraulics to study flow boiling on curved heated walls. His research contributes to enhancing safety systems like External Reactor Vessel Cooling (ERVC), which play a key role in maintaining optimal reactor performance under challenging conditions.
Together, the two students aim to contribute to enhancing nuclear safety by developing predictive models validated through cutting-edge experiments and computational tools. Their research also explores advanced sustainability by improving reactor efficiency and reliability, ensuring nuclear power remains a cornerstone of clean energy strategies.聽
Professor Yacine Addad, Deputy Director, ENTC, said: 鈥淭he two students鈥� research work not only reinforces Khalifa University’s role as a leading global institution in scientific research and innovation, but also showcases the UAE鈥檚 commitment to clean energy and nuclear safety. Together with ENTC and Khalifa University, our students join our efforts towards a safer, cleaner energy future for the UAE and the world.鈥澛�
The ENTC also has collaboration with ENEC and the Technology Innovation Institute’s (TII) Quantum Research Center (QRC) to innovate in the realm of nuclear reactor simulations, using quantum-inspired algorithms.聽聽
In collaboration with the FANR and the French Institut de Radioprotection et de S没ret茅 Nucl茅aire (IRSN), the ENTC successfully completed Phase 1 of the Numerical Modelling of Radionuclides Dispersion (MORAD) program in March 2024, yielding 13 published papers, highlighting crucial environmental aspects. Additionally, the ENTC is collaborating with the FANR on the ongoing OECD-ATLAS Phase III project, further advancing its contributions to nuclear safety research.聽
