PhD position in matrix diffusion and sorption in crystalline rock in-situ

The main research area in our group has been the study of flow and solute transport in fractured rocks, experimentally and theoretically, over many years. Our work has been used in several countries to design safe geologic repositories for spent nuclear fuel. The most important processes of radionuclide retardation in their migration through fractured rocks are matrix diffusion and sorption in the slightly porous rock matrix. This has been studied in laboratory and in field experiments. However, in some cases differences are observed between the results of in-situ experiments and the expected results according to the state of art. Therefore, we will in detail study the different processes that may influence the behaviour of solutes when they diffuse and sorb in crystalline rock (such as Swedish bedrock).

This is considered to be very important in retarding the transport of radionuclides from a repository for spent fuel generated in nuclear power plants. Therefore, a project dedicated to the study of matrix diffusion and sorption in crystalline rock in in-situ will be started by SKB, (who is responsible for the Swedish repositories) together with organizations from other countries in an international “Task Force”. The Task Force involves students and researchers from many countries. They meet several times per year, often in different places. This is an excellent opportunity for students to meet and discuss their work with other people working on these problems.

Job description

The goal of this project is to better understand the mechanisms that influence the diffusion and sorption of radionuclides in heterogeneous crystalline rock. Aspects that could be studied in detail include heterogeneities found in the rock at depth that may cause “fast” pathways for diffusion and channelling, mineralogical composition that influences sorption differently for different radionuclides and the chemical composition of the pore water.. The local porosity and diffusion properties vary in the rock and stochastic methods will be used to study the impact on the diffusional transport properties of the different heterogeneous properties.

Placement: Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH

Qualifications

A suitable background for this position would be a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Engineering Physics, or similar areas, preferably combinations of these subject areas. Experience in mathematical and numerical modelling of complex physical and stochastic processes is a bonus. The applicant shall be able to communicate well and to work in a group. We seek candidates who are strongly motivated by scientific research and who have an analytic and problem-solving approach in their work. The candidate should also have genuine interest and curiosity for multi-disciplinary problems.

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Application

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