Graphite Degradation Modeling Intern

About the Role

This internship will focus on implementing and validating graphite degradation models for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in Pronghorn. The work may progress from simple empirical models to higher-fidelity approaches accounting for local temperature and gas conditions and their effects on graphite properties. The intern will report to the Multiphysics Computational Frameworks team. This team works a 9x80s schedule onsite at the Idaho Falls Campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability.

Key Responsibilities

• Review literature to identify relevant degradation mechanisms, available models, and experimental data.
• Implement selected degradation models.
• Develop tests and validation cases.
• Compare model predictions with published data.
• Assess sensitivity to key assumptions.
• Document the models’ applicability and limitations.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Pronghorn

Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time in a Master's degree program or Doctorate Degree program at an accredited college/university.
• Studying Nuclear Engineering, Energy Engineering, or other closely related Engineering discipline.
• Minimum overall 3.0 GPA.
• Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.
• Current Resume or CV.
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs).
• Current class schedule and number of credits.
• Nuclear research experience/coursework in thermomechanical analysis, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.

Internship Compensation

• Masters Internships: $35.34/hour - $37.73/hour
• PhD Internships (Pre-Candidacy): $36.83/hour - $39.33/hour
• PhD Internships (Post-Candidacy): $38.65/hour - $41.29/hour

Internship Benefits

• Paid holiday time off.
• Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns.
• May be eligible for course credit if approved by your university.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with people.