Reports to (Job Title):
R&D Manager – Codes & Methods
Job Description:
To collaborate to newcleo’s activities on lead chemical control that are the objects of intensive studies, both in terms of experiments and theoretical modeling.
In order to support both types of activities, the Python package lbh15 is under active development to offer an unique and standardized entry point for the use
of empirical correlations of physical properties. lbh15 (Lead Bismuth Handbook 2015) is a Python package developed by newcleo based on the reference handbook edited by OECD-NEA [1], as contribution to the expert group on heavy liquid metal technologies. The first version of lbh15 was released on September 21 2022,implementing a first batch of thermal properties of molten lead (Pb), bismuth (Bi) and of their eutectic alloy (LBE).
The properties are implemented as analytical functions from empirical correlations. The package contains also elementary services for function characterization that use the standard Python packages for scientific computation, namely NumPy and SciPy.
Main Activities:
During this internship, the student will develop new features in lbh15, specifically:
a) solubility and diffusivity of metallic elements in Pb, Bi, LBE;
b) solubility of oxygen, its diffusivity and interaction with Pb, Bi, LBE;
c) interaction of water with Pb, Bi, LBE;
d) chemistry control and monitoring system.
The student will develop/ consolidate skills in the following aspects of software engineering with Python:
• Object-Oriented programming based on SOLID principles;
• Python Dynamic programming;
• Design patterns (template and factory patterns in particular);
• CI/CD pipelines (including regression tests);
• Write well-documented code for scientific applications.
The student will be followed by the engineering team of newcleo that is developing lbh15, together with an engineer from the safety team to identify the main correlations that the package shall provide.
Key Performance Indicators
Timely management of key deliverables and tasks respecting deadlines with high quality output.
Ideal Background
Education
Master student in Nuclear, Chemical or Software Engineering; Applied Physics; Chemistry; Computer science.
Languages
Fluent Italian and English
Experience / Professional requirements
• Fundamentals in thermodynamics and chemistry
• Basic knowledge of software programming (previous experience in Python appreciated
but not fundamental)
• Basic knowledge of Linux operative system
Nice to have: experience using git, basic knowledge on liquid metal-cooled fast reactors.
