Education

Research Description

Dr. Doster is interested in computational thermal hydraulics and reactor-related heat transfer and fluid flow problems. Recent research efforts have focused on the development of methods that allow the direct control of steam generator mass inventory as opposed to current technology that relies on measurements of downcomer level. The approach is to use detailed thermal hydraulic simulations to calculate the time dependent relationship between liquid mass inventory and transient indications of indicated level, feedwater flow, steam flow and steam pressure conditions. It was shown that artificial neural networks could be developed that predict mass inventory with sufficient fidelity to allow for the development of control systems that control steam generator mass directly. This approach effectively eliminates feedwater control problems associated with shrink and swell phenomena.

Publications

Investigation of two concrete thermal energy storage system configurations for continuous power production

Mikkelson, D., & Doster, J. M. (2022), JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE, 51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.104387

Phenomenon Identification and Ranking Table Development for Future Application Figure-of-Merit Studies on Thermal Energy Storage Integrations with Light Water Reactors

Mikkelson, D., Frick, K., Bragg-Sitton, S., & Doster, J. M. (2021, August 4), NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY. https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2021.1906473

Design and Operation of a Sensible Heat Peaking Unit for Small Modular Reactors

Frick, K., Doster, J. M., & Bragg-Sitton, S. (2019), NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, 205(3), 415–441. https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2018.1491181

Thermal Energy Storage Configurations for Small Modular Reactor Load Shedding

Frick, K., Misenheimer, C. T., Doster, J. M., Terry, S. D., & Bragg-Sitton, S. (2018), NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, 202(1), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2017.1420945

Two-way multi-physics coupling for modeling high power RbCl isotope production targets

O'Brien, E. M., Doster, J. M., Nortier, F. M., Olivas, E. R., & Stokely, M. H. (2018), NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION B-BEAM INTERACTIONS WITH MATERIALS AND ATOMS, 433, 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2018.07.022

High Current C-11 Gas Target Design and Optimization Using Multi-Physics Coupling

Peeples, J. L., Magerl, M., O'Brien, E. M., Doster, J. M., Bolotnov, I. A., Wieland, B. W., & Stokely, M. H. (2017), WTTC16: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 16TH INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON TARGETRY AND TARGET CHEMISTRY, Vol. 1845. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4983547

Optimization of Thermal-Hydraulic Reactor System for SMRs via Data Assimilation and Uncertainty Quantification

Heo, J., Turinsky, P. J., & Doster, J. M. (2013), NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 173(3), 293–311. https://doi.org/10.13182/nse11-113

Reactor loose part damage assessments on steam generator tube sheets

Proctor, W. C., & Doster, J. M. (2012), Nuclear Technology, 179(3), 339–359. https://doi.org/10.13182/nt12-a14167

Thermal performance of batch boiling water targets for 18F production

Peeples, J. L., Stokely, M. H., & Michael Doster, J. (2011), Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 69(10), 1349–1354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2011.06.015

Application of a neural network based feedwater controller to helical steam generators

Shen, H., & Doster, J. M. (2009), NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN, 239(6), 1056–1065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2009.02.011

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Nuclear Energy University Programs - Fellowship and Scholarship Support

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(8/01/21 - 8/31/33)

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Nuclear Energy University Programs - Fellowship and Scholarship Support

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 8/01/21

End Date: 8/31/33

Abstract

This proposal is a request to be eligible to participate in DOE's Fellowship and Scholarship Support program where NE eligible students can apply for scholarships and fellowships per the Funding Opportunity Announcement. This is up to a 10 year cooperative agreement program and may run up to 13 years to accredited US Colleges and Universities for the US Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy Fellowship and Scholarship Awards.������������������

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Release No, 00002 NUC Contract Proposal for FY 15 (2014-2015). Formerly ACE - Academic Center for Excellence

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/15/14 - 9/30/23)

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Release No, 00002 NUC Contract Proposal for FY 15 (2014-2015). Formerly ACE - Academic Center for Excellence

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/15/14

End Date: 9/30/23

Abstract

This contract provides support for the INL through collaboration with NUC Universities (Oregon State University, Ohio State University and in this case specifically North Carolina State University). The goal is to more closely align the NUC research activities with the mission and objectives of the INL research directorates.

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Nuclear Energy University Programs - Fellowship and Scholarship Support North Carolina State University

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(7/01/09 - 8/31/23)

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Nuclear Energy University Programs - Fellowship and Scholarship Support North Carolina State University

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 7/01/09

End Date: 8/31/23

Abstract

This proposal is a request to be eligible to participate in DOE's Fellowship and Scholarship Support program where NE eligible students can apply for scholarships and fellowships per the Funding Opportunity Announcement. This is a 5 year cooperataive agreement program and may run up to 8 years to accredited US Colleges and Universities for the US Department of Engergy's Office of Nuclear Energy Fellowship and Scholarship Awards.

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Creation of Multiple Effect Evaporator and Combined Cycle Modelica Modules, and Optimization of Potable Water Generation from Saltwater Sources

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/01/20 - 12/31/22)

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Creation of Multiple Effect Evaporator and Combined Cycle Modelica Modules, and Optimization of Potable Water Generation from Saltwater Sources

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/01/20

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

The goal of this research is to develop models of Multiple Effect Evaporators and Combined Cycle Gas Turbine systems for use in the Modelica framework. The models will be capable of being implemented into larger models of grid independent / near independent energy parks located about military bases, large manufacturing facilities, and in small communities where freshwater is limited. The end goal being to create an energy park that can supply its own energy and water through Small Modular Reactor nuclear systems and/or Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Systems with brackish to brine water sources (i.e., groundwater or ocean water). The models will link in the need for water for the generation of power to supply evaporative condensers in the Rankine cycle, as well as water needed by the community for domestic and specified industrial uses. The use of multiple effect evaporators, supplied with extraction steam from a Rankine cycle or from the Heat Recovery Steam Generator of a combined cycle plant, will be modeled and compared to the option of simply using a Reverse Osmosis system powered by the power cycles.

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Consortium for Advanced Simulations for Light Water Reactors (CASL) - Oak Ridge National laboratory (Start up 8/16/10 to 2/17/11)

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(11/16/10 - 12/01/20)

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Consortium for Advanced Simulations for Light Water Reactors (CASL) - Oak Ridge National laboratory (Start up 8/16/10 to 2/17/11)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 11/16/10

End Date: 12/01/20

Abstract

The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors, CASL, supports the broad national missions of enabling energy independence; supporting economic growth through the offering of superior technology ; and being good stewards of the environment, buy enabling predictive simulation of nuclear power plants. Such capability will make possible power uprates, lifetime extension and higher fuel burnups for currently operating and new Generation III+ nuclear power plants.

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Identification, Development, and Integration of Energy Storage into INLs Integrated Energy Systems (IES) Program

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(4/10/19 - 12/31/19)

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Identification, Development, and Integration of Energy Storage into INLs Integrated Energy Systems (IES) Program

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 4/10/19

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

The development of time-dependent physics based models of industrial processes in Modelica is a large part of the Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program at INL. These models are used to simulate the ability of large industrial processes (nuclear power plants, gas turbines, etc.) to meet specified electric and heat demand. Energy Storage is a process omnipresent in all future grid considerations due to its grid resiliency capabilities. More specifically, thermal energy storage. INL has been developing some thermal energy storage models for use in the IES program. However, further model development and integration is necessary. This model development will include thermal integration with nuclear power plants and the associated control algorithms required. Dr. Joseph Michael Doster at North Carolina State University has a strong background in nuclear control systems and thermal integration of nuclear reactors with industrial processes. It is necessary to build a pipeline with him and his students so that we may enhance/maintain the same level of physical models within the Integrated Energy Systems program here at INL. If shown to be economically viable, energy storage is expected to play a significant role in reducing demand volatility, supporting enhanced deployment of nuclear reactors.

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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nuclear Education Program Scholarship Proposal

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission(7/01/16 - 6/30/18)

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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nuclear Education Program Scholarship Proposal

Sponsor: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 6/30/18

Abstract

The proposal requests funds for 8 NRC undergraduate scholarships for a total amount of $196,346 over two years to pursue undergraduate studies in Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University. The program will be administered by the PI, Dr. J. Michael Doster, Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Director of Undergraduate Programs within the Nuclear Engineering Department. Dr. Doster will be assisted by the scholarship selection committee; Dr Mohamed Bourham, Professor and Co-PI and Ms. Lisa Marshall, Director of Outreach, Retention & Engagement and Departmental Scholarship Chair. The proposal would allow for the awarding of 1 out-of-state and 7 in-state scholarships.

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Release No. 00004: Hybrid Nuclear Systems LDRD and NUC Projects

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(1/06/15 - 9/30/17)

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Release No. 00004: Hybrid Nuclear Systems LDRD and NUC Projects

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 1/06/15

End Date: 9/30/17

Abstract

This proposal is for an LDRD funded by DOE INL to promote and develop hybrid nuclear systems.

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Characterization of Severe Accidents in a Small Modular Reactor

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(11/01/13 - 7/31/17)

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Characterization of Severe Accidents in a Small Modular Reactor

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 11/01/13

End Date: 7/31/17

Abstract

In the past several years, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) emerged as an innovative nuclear power technology that has potential to bring a next generation of economically competitive, safe and secure nuclear power plants to meet low-carbon energy needs. The SMR technology research and development is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE). Pioneering in this path is an integrated pressurized water reactor (IPWR) concept named mPower developed by the Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) mPower Company. The B&W mPower SMR is a passively safe plant design based on light water reactor (LWR) technology. This project will perform analytical, modeling, computational, and experimental research to support safety analysis of the mPower design. Specifically, the project focuses on characterization of the plant in hypothetical severe accident scenarios. The work supports the preparation of a design-specific severe accidents evaluation methodology for the B&W mPower SMR. While core degradation scenarios are highly improbably, remote and speculative in the mPower design, treatment of severe accidents is central to defense-in-depth and risk considerations for advanced nuclear power plants. The project������������������s systematic approach to severe accidents characterization includes identification of design-specific severe accident phenomenology, severe accident phenomenology verification and validation, severe accidents test scaling, and severe accident prevention and mitigation requirements. This includes a range of severe accident phenomena, including core melt stabilization, high-pressure melt ejection/direct containment heating, in- and ex-vessel steam explosion, and hydrogen combustion. For evaluation of safety margins under melt attack on reactor vessel and molten fuel-coolant interactions the project will develop an analytical model for lower head coolability and analysis of ex-vessel steam explosion. Finally, for confirmation of coolability safety margin, the project will design and construct a test facility and operate a test program to quantify the performance of external reactor vessel cooling scheme. The project will generate new data, systemize knowledge, advance modeling and simulation capability, and train engineers and students, in severe nuclear reactor accident safety analysis, an area that is growing in demand as the nuclear industry and nuclear regulators worldwide respond to lessons learned from the Fukushima accident.

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National University Consortium (NUC) Involvement and University Academic Center of Excellence(ACE) Activities at North Carolina State University

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(2/01/05 - 9/30/14)

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National University Consortium (NUC) Involvement and University Academic Center of Excellence(ACE) Activities at North Carolina State University

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 2/01/05

End Date: 9/30/14

Abstract

This proposl is in response to the "Statement of Work for Establishment, Planning and Development Activities for Academic Center of Excellence in Advanced Modeling and Simulation at North Carolina State University" issued by Idaho National Laboratory (INL). North Carolina State University is a member of the Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) via the National University Consortium (NUC). BEA assumed the responsibility of operating INL on February 1, 2005 via a ten year contract awarded by the US Department of Energy. As a member of the BEA, the NUC is playing a role in improving INL's performance via providing critical reviews of laboratory mission and execution, and supporting the laboratories' research and educational objectives. The later task is performed via the NUC universities directly interacting with INL and by providing a linkage to other non-NUC universities on a regional basis for educational objectives and on a national basis in focused research areas for the research objectives. NC State is in the process of creating the Academic Center of Excellence in Advanced Modeling and Simulation (ACE-AMS) to support the focused research activity. This proposal is to support the planning activities associated with creating ACE-AMS and to provide support for faculty, staff and students to travel to INL to explore opportunities for joint educational and research activities.

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