Sign in Subscribe
Nuclear energy

UW Researcher Receives NSF Grant to Protect Nuclear Reactors from Seismic Activity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ankit Saxena, an assistant professor in the University of Wyoming's Department of Mechanical Engineering, has received a two-year research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to protect nuclear reactors and other infrastructure from future seismic activity. The grant, worth $199,064, will support Saxena's project titled "ERI: Passive Seismic Protection for Nuclear Power Plants Using Embedded Particle Dampers." Saxena aims to revolutionize the design of particle dampers using topology optimization, an advanced engineering design technique.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ankit Saxena, a UW assistant professor, received a $199,064 NSF grant to protect nuclear reactors from seismic activity.
  • The project, titled "ERI: Passive Seismic Protection for Nuclear Power Plants Using Embedded Particle Dampers," will utilize topology optimization to design particle dampers that dissipate seismic frequencies.
  • Particle dampers are a vibration-damping technology consisting of a cavity with entrapped particles that collide to dissipate vibrational energy.
  • The grant will support a UW Ph.D. student and two undergraduate research students.
  • Saxena's research is applicable across various fields, including aerospace, automotive, civil engineering structures, and robotics.
  • The project will also support educational outreach, with Saxena delivering energy-related lectures at Laramie High School.
  • Saxena's SUMMIT Lab aims to leverage additive manufacturing to design novel multi-functional structures and materials with unique mechanical properties.
  • The ERI grant will help Saxena establish an independent, externally funded research program and support his first publications as the lead PI.

Statistics:

  • $199,064: The value of the NSF grant received by Saxena.
  • 2 years: The duration of the NSF grant project.
  • 3 individuals: The number of students supported by the grant, including a UW Ph.D. student and two undergraduate research students.
  • 2027: The year the Terra Power nuclear reactor in Kemmerer is expected to begin construction, as reported by POWER Magazine.
  • 2027: The end year of the NSF grant project, as stated by Saxena.

Sources:

  • University of Wyoming news post: "UW Researcher Receives NSF Grant to Protect Nuclear Reactors from Seismic Activity" (July 16)
  • POWER Magazine: Terra Power nuclear reactor in Kemmerer construction begins (early 2027)

Read more