Graphite Degradation Modeling Intern - Summer 2027

Idaho National Laboratory•Idaho Falls, ID

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This internship focuses on implementing and validating graphite degradation models for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in Pronghorn. The intern will review literature to identify relevant degradation mechanisms, available models, and experimental data; implement selected models; and develop tests and validation cases. Work may begin with a simple empirical model and progress toward higher-fidelity approaches that account for local temperature and gas conditions and their effects on graphite properties. The intern will compare model predictions with published data, assess sensitivity to key assumptions, and document model applicability and limitations. The position reports to the Multiphysics Computational Frameworks team. The team works a 9x80s schedule onsite at the Idaho Falls Campus. The internship start date and duration vary based on project and student availability. Course credit may be available if approved by the student's university.

Requirements

Be enrolled full time in a master's or doctorate degree program at an accredited college or university, studying Nuclear Engineering, Energy Engineering, or another closely related engineering discipline.
Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Have nuclear research experience or coursework in thermomechanical analysis, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
Provide a current resume or CV, unofficial transcripts including current and completed degree programs, and a current class schedule with number of credits.
Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.

Responsibilities

Review literature to identify relevant graphite degradation mechanisms, available models, and experimental data.
Implement selected graphite degradation models in Pronghorn.
Develop tests and validation cases.
Compare model predictions with published data.
Assess sensitivity to key assumptions.
Document model applicability and limitations.