Chairholders
Profile
John Luxat
Department of Engineering Physics
McMaster University
Chair title
NSERC/UNENE Industrial Research Chair in Nuclear Safety Analysis
Chair program
Industrial Research Chairs program
Role
Executive Chair since 2004
Summary
Nuclear safety analysis involves the modeling of systems, components and physical processes that are found in a nuclear power station. These models are used to predict what may happen following postulated accidents. Demonstrating the integrity of engineered barriers to fission product release is a primary objective of nuclear safety analysis. Another important objective of the nuclear safety analysis research is to develop analysis methods that ensure that safety limits are met at high levels of probability with high confidence.Boiling heat transfer from nuclear fuel elements and fuel channels is an important process in reactor accidents. Changes in heat transfer regimes influence both operational safety margins and the integrity of components during accidents. Experimental research and modeling is focused on mechanistic representation of vapour formation and transport processes and associated local heat transfer processes, including the transition from stable film boiling back to nucleate boiling (the “quench” process). This research will improve understanding of heat transfer limitations during nuclear accidents and thereby enhance safety analysis capability in the nuclear industry.
The Chairholder, Dr. John Luxat, comes from a senior executive position in the Canadian nuclear industry. He has an international reputation and an established record of leading-edge technical contributions in nuclear engineering and nuclear safety analysis.
In addition to advancing the state of knowledge in the key nuclear safety analysis areas, the Chair program will develop and promote interdisciplinary collaboration on nuclear safety research within McMaster University, at other Canadian universities and with the nuclear industry. This research is both relevant and complementary to Canadian industry nuclear safety research programs.
Partner
- University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE)
Contact information
Department of Engineering Physics
McMaster University
JHE Building, Room A326
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4L7
Tel.: 905-525-9140, ext. 24670
Fax: 905-527-8409
Email: luxatj@mcmaster.ca
Website:
http://engphys.mcmaster.ca/faculty_staff/faculty/luxat/index.htm
