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Bruno Merk

Professor Bruno Merk
Dr-Ing.

NNL/RAEng Research Chair in Computational Modelling for Nuclear Engineering
Physics

Research

Overview on the Professional Interests

My research interest is focused on nuclear systems and core physics for nuclear reactor operation design, analysis, and safety.

My specific topics of interest are:
• Reactor physics, transient, and safety considerations for advanced reactor concepts, especially high temperature reactors, liquid metal cooled fast reactors and molten salt reactors.
• Safety of nuclear reactors of the future generations
• Nuclear waste management strategies with special focus on transmutation of transuranium elements as an alternative to direct final disposal of nuclear
• Due to this specialization, I was a leading member of a feasibility study on the opportunities of Partitioning & Transmutation (P&T) to support a political decision about the future funding of the P&T research in Germany.
• Development of modern calculation methods for current LWR for reactor physics and reactor safety.
• Strategic development of nuclear research and technology including strategic planning, implementation, coordination, and international representation.
• International contacts to the International Atomic Energy Agency. I have been member of the IAEA Technical Working group of Fast Reactors

Research grants

Sub-Contract NNL – advanced modular manufacturing’

NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY LTD (UK)

March 2020 - March 2021

iMAGINE – a Nuclear System Operating on Spent Fuel without Reprocessing

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING (UK)

October 2020 - September 2030

Defining a Draft for a Zero Power Reactor Experiment for Molten Salt Reactors

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

July 2021 - September 2024

Depositio-MSFR: a numerical study for the study of noble metal surface plating in Molten Salt Fast Reactors.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES COUNCIL

January 2022 - August 2022

Feasibility of the use of frozen walls in molten salt fast reactors (MSFR-FW)

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

July 2017 - July 2018