Multi-Disciplinary Projects
Note: New project descriptions are expected in January and will be added as they are identified.
Identify the project numbers of greatest interest in the “Career Goals” section of your online application.
Project Number: 1
Development and Testing of Technologies for Detecting Trace and Bulk Explosives
Program involves the development and testing of technologies for detecting trace and bulk explosives for Defense and Homeland Security applications. Projects include development and calibration of explosive vapor generators used to evaluate prototype trace explosives sensors. Other efforts include planning and executing laboratory and field experiments to evaluate standoff explosives detection systems. Technologies used to detect trace or bulk explosives include chemical, optical (laser-based), and neutron-based sensors.
Contact: Ernie Cespedes, Send E-mail
Project Number: 2
Communications Focusing on Nuclear Science and Technology
This project focuses on providing communications products focusing on nuclear science and technology research going on at the INL. The project will focus on writing feature stories, news releases and fact sheets explaining nuclear research to the public. The ideal candidate will have some prior writing experience.
Contact: Teri Ehresman, Send E-mail
Project Number: 3
INL Cultural Resource Management Archaeological Survey and Historical Data Archive
BEA is requesting support from interested university students studying history, anthropology, archaeology, archives, library science and/or preservation to participate as a summer intern in INL's Cultural Resource Management Office. Their responsibilities will include the following:
- Support the INL archivist in gathering, cataloging, organizing, and making accessible INL historical data from a wide variety of media.
- Identify data parameters for accessioning into INL archives.
- Draft procedure for acquiring, cataloging, and organizing INL historic data.
- Assist INL archaeologists with site surveys and recordation which requires carrying heavy packs while walking long distances often in the heat of the day or in inclement weather.
The participant will have an opportunity to assist in developing INL Archival Center and will be provided with an overview of cultural resource management activities within:
- Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology
- Industrial and Military Archaeology
- Architectural History
- Historic Research
- Archival Standards and Procedures
- The participant will report to and work with individuals who have Anthropological, Preservation, and History Degrees and who meet the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Professional Qualifications. This opportunity will expose students who have a desire to enter the Cultural Resource Management profession to obtain knowledge in the participants' field of study or expertise. BEA will assist the participant in formulating educational and career goals. The planned start date is June 2, 2008 through August 22, 2008.
Contact: Julie Braun, Send E-mail
Project Number: 4
Molecular Ecology of Thermoacidic Environments in Yellowstone
We are participating in a NSF-sponsored Microbial Observatories project to survey new viruses and their hosts in hot, acidic springs in Yellowstone National Park. This work involves the cultivation of archaeal species, characterization of microbial populations by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, whole genome analysis, and sequencing of novel viruses associated with these microbes. Last summer we isolated and cloned a large extrachromosomal element (plasmid) from Sulfolobus islandicus, and will be performing detailed analysis of its sequence, and that of the entire organism.
Contact: Frank Roberto, Send E-mail
Project Number: 5
Molecular Detection of Brucella Abortus in Yellowstone Samples
Our laboratory has developed rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostics for Brucella abortus, the causative agent of brucellosis. We are currently developing high resolution genotyping methods to type and trace the pathogen. This disease is endemic to wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA), and a concern for its potential to be transmitted to domestic cattle. We analyze a variety of tissues and blood from bison, elk, and cattle in the GYA in an effort to assist state departments of agriculture, wildlife veterinarians and wildlife managers tasked with managing the incidence of the disease.
Contact: Frank Roberto, Send E-mail
Project Number: 6
Streamlining Computational Methods for Whole Genome Analysis
High throughput genomic sequencing capabilities have led to the completion of the human genome, as well as over 400 microbial genomes. It is now possible to compare microbes on the basis of their complete complement of genes. New sequencing methodologies will accelerate the accumulation of whole genome methods, and new approaches are necessary to streamline the comparison of new sequence information with that resident in public databases such as GenBank. This project will focus on optimizing software algorithms and passage of data through a bioinformatics pipeline using a small, dedicated computing cluster.
Contact: Frank Roberto, Send E-mail
Project Number: 7
Opportunities are available to participate in research on the microbially-facilitated precipitation of minerals in the subsurface, for the purpose of contaminant bioremediation. Laboratory activities will include cultivation of microorganisms, application of molecular biological tools for monitoring specific microbial activities, and analysis of metabolites. Opportunities to help with field-based research may also be available.
Contact: Yoshiko Fujita, Send E-mail
Project Number: 8
Nuclear Criticality Safety
This project involves computational evaluation of criticality benchmark experiments in connection with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Program. Various neutron transport codes such as MCNP, KENO, etc., will be used for evaluation of experimental configurations for inclusion in the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments, the international standard for evaluated critical experiment data.
Contact: J. Blair Briggs, Send E-mail
Project Number: 9
Automated Waste Package Weld Closure System
The Yucca Mountain Waste Package Closure Project's objective is to design, fabricate and demonstrate an automated waste package weld closure system for the Yucca Mountain facilities in Nevada. Between now and October 2008 the various components of this system which includes two welding robots, a material handling gantry robot, evacuation and backfill modules, stress mitigation modules, and ultrasonic and eddy current inspection modules will be integrated into a system preparatory to a full-size demonstration. A supervisory control system will oversee all modules and their functions. During the summer a variety of system tests and evaluations of the system will be performed.
Contact: Rodney Shurtliff, Send E-mail
Project Number: 10
Determination of Actinides in Unknown Samples via Isotope Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
The ICP-MS is an analytical tool that has unrivaled detection capability. Most elements can be determined in the pg/mL range. This is especially true for the determination of actinides, where most element detection capabilities are not limited by interferences or instrumental background levels. Typical analyses in ICP-MS are performed using a calibration curve and comparing the unknown sample against that calibration curve.
Isotope dilution mass spectrometry is typically used for the determination of unknowns in thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). This method of determination utilizes the spiking of unknown samples with a known amount of an isotopically different standard of the same element. The unknown amount in the sample is then mathematically calculated via the known spike.
The translation of the isotope dilution to ICP-MS is more complicated than it originally appears. Due to instrumental differences, there are more variables to correct for. These instrumental variables include dead time, gain loss, and mass bias. This project will involve the development of an analytical method to determine actinides by ICP-MS via isotope dilution.
Contact: Jeff Giglio, Send E-mail
Project Number: 11
Development of Real Time Analysis Capabilities for an ICP-AES
The inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer is used to measure elemental concentrations of analytes in samples. The instrument at the INL is unique in that the ICP portion of the instrument is contained in a shielded glovebox. The glovebox enables the analyst to investigate elemental compositions in irradiated samples with minimal personal exposure.
This project will investigate the use of real time analysis software equipped on the ICP-AES as a tool to aid in the development of separations. The real time analysis capability will allow for faster method development and allow for the visual interpretation of chromatographic parameters. Typically, the separations are performed in a batch mode, with no feedback to the experimenter in terms of tailing of peaks, completeness of separations, among other things.
This project will allow the summer student to learn the capabilities of the ICP-AES, allow them to develop glovebox skills, gain experience in separations science as well as allow the student to develop an understanding of the special analytical chemistry complications encountered when dealing with an irradiated sample.
Contact: Jeff Giglio, Send E-mail
Project Number: 12
Dynamic Environmental Impact Model and Information System
In environmental systems, complex spatial and temporal interdependency are prevalent, however the majority of existing environmental process models apply potentially unrealistic generalized assumptions or focus solely on a single system. As a consequence, the presence of these interdependencies significantly reduces the ability of these models to provide insights that are necessary to make proper decisions about the management of complex ecological–economic systems. New modeling approaches are being developed to effectively identify, collect, and relate information that is relevant to the understanding of human and natural systems.
Contact: Ryan Hruska, Send E-mail
Project Number: 13
Integrated Transportation Services - Fleet Inventory
A number of enhancements to the Transportation Information Management System (TIMS) are in the initial or planning stages. Analyze data requirements based on fleet needs for current projects. Assist with defining requirements to justify future enhancements. Develop testing plans and training materials.
The intern will work with one or more of the following enhancements:
- Implementation of web based motor pool reservation and reporting modules
- GSA consolidation on the light vehicle fleet by early 2008 including revised billing structures
- Automated bus passenger tracking and route optimization
- Utilizing hand-held devices for shop work orders and tanker truck fuel deliveries
- Assist with testing and implementation of a networked fuel system upgrade
Contact: Carol Comstock, Send E-mail
Project Number: 14
Biogenic Hydrogen Production
An opportunity exists to study extremophilic carboxydtrophs, microorganisms that can convert CO and water into CO2 and H2 at elevated temperatures. The goal of this project is to understand gene expression of these microorganisms, and ultimately to optimize conditions for maximum hydrogen production. One potential industrial application is the use of biogenic hydrogen production system to scrub residual CO from synthesis gases that have already been passed over a catalyst for hydrogen production. A student supporting this project would gain experience culturing these microorganisms under anaerobic conditions as well as gain experience conducting molecular biology studies using, PCR, real-time PCR, and microarrays. The project would involve design and operation of a bioreactor for growth of these microorganisms. Students are not expected to be familiar with techniques prior to coming to the laboratory. A student intern would be expected to write a paper and present a poster on their work.
Contact: Deborah Newby, Send E-mail
Project Number: 15
Fuel Element Storage Location Database
When fuel elements are removed from the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), they are stored in the ATR canal storage grids. Element storage location information is available that records the storage location of each fuel element as it was moved into and out of the reactor. This information needs to be entered into a database so that the configuration of elements in storage can be tracked as a function of time.
Contact: Paul Roth, Send E-mail
Project Number: 16
Wind Powering America Outreach and resource assessment
This will be a very hands-on project with the opportunity for the student to learn about wind power in Idaho and surrounding areas, provide technical support for resource assessment, fielding and operation of a wide variety of wind measuring and analysis equipment in support of the Wind Powering America program. Position will support the installation, testing, validation, collection and developing information for sharing with regional entities as part of the Wind Powering America program with DOE. Activities will involve a group of people who collectively will perform these tasks and developing school curriculum, training teachers and students, and many other varied outreach tasks. A student who is interested in renewable energy and is motivated to work with INL engineers as a team player is welcome. Multiple skills are needed ranging from school science teachers, software developers skilled in use of Excel and web development, Earth science, meteorology, and electrical engineering.
Short list of needed skills 1-School teachers in Earth Science, 2-Students wanting to do Science, 3-Software or SC majors willing to work on simple code development and simple web development, 4-Electrical Engineering students with an interest in Power or Renewable energy, 5-Meteorology students, 6-Curriculum Writers, and many others.
Contact: Gary Seifert, Send E-mail
Project Number: 17
Analysis on a Wide Variety of Radioactive Samples
The Analytical Laboratory at MFC conducts analysis on a wide variety of radioactive samples in support of the GNEP projects and infrastructure related projects at the Materials and Fuels Complex on the INL. This project would be setting up calculations to better estimate the absolute and relative error associated with analysis of the various samples via a wide variety of analytical chemical techniques. An effort would also be made, if time allows, to attempt to quantitative the sampling error analysis and/or identify the types of sampling error associated with the major sample types.
Contact: Marsha Lambregts, Send E-mail
Project Number: 18
Reliability Centered Maintenance Project: (Spring/Summer 2008)
The Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) Initiative Project is the key effort being used to transform the Facility and Site Services Maintenance Program to a "World Class" program. Equipment information and operational requirement data is collected and used to create functional block diagrams for each system. These diagrams are then used to analyze equipment for key failure modes and their effects in order to develop the most effective and applicable maintenance program for each system. Interns participating in this program will collect field data, access company databases, set up block diagrams, and prepare initial failure mode / mitigation analysis. Work location will vary across the entire INL and provides broad exposure to INL facilities, programs, and processes. This program is managed by the facility engineering division and provides experience equivalent to entry level engineering work for plant operations and maintenance.
Contact: David Start, Send E-mail
Project Number: 19
Condition Assessment Survey OSF Project
The Condition Assessment Survey OSF Project is new effort to collect information pertaining to INL Other Structures and Facilities (OSF(s)). OSFs typically include water supply, electrical distribution, roads, fences, canals, storage tanks, and similar type systems. Interns will be spending approximately 50% of their time in the field collecting data and 50% of their time in an office environment reviewing files and preparing reports. Interns selected for this program will work directly with the INL Condition Assessment Survey team managed by the Facility and Site Services Chief Facility Engineer. Work location will normally be on site at the INL and will provide interns with experience in the field measurements and inspection of OSFs.
Contact: David Start, Send E-mail
Project Number: 20
Summer Communication Infrastructure Internship
Idaho National Laboratory is a world leader in performing leading-edge research in computing and nuclear energy sciences. Our company offers a summer program for students majoring in Computer Science, Information Systems, and engineering fields to gain relevant experience while pursuing their degree. The student will assist Communications Infrastructure personnel in communications research and development, configuration, diagnostics, planning, security and troubleshooting of the INL's extensive IT infrastructure; including Optical, Voice, Data & Wireless Networks. This opportunity is for students between their junior and senior years who have completed core courses in Computer Science, Information Systems, Security and related areas. The starting date is May 5, 2008 and students who are interested must visit the website below to fill out an application. Applications will be reviewed by January 31, 2008. Website: http://www.inl.gov/education/undergraduate.shtml
Contact: Brian W. Jensen, Send E-mail
Project Number: 21
Haptic Feedback Remote Welding
Remote operations with traditional robotic technology can be difficult, particularly when the remote environment is unstructured. This project will focus on the development of a haptic feedback robotic device for remote operations, including welding. The device will allow a skilled operator to effectively perform operations in a remote environment with minimal training on the system itself. Such devices have been used successfully in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Work this summer will include general systems integration, part design, and computer programming for: robot interfacing, input device feedback, and control routine evaluation (C/C++, Java, LabView).
Contact: Corrie Nichol, Send E-mail
Nuclear Engineering Projects
Note: New project descriptions are expected in January and will be added as they are identified.
Identify the project numbers of greatest interest in the “Career Goals” section of your online application.
Project Number: NE-1
NGNP tritium penetration study
As part of engineering workscope of the Next Generation of Nuclear Plant (NGNP), INL investigates tritium penetration from the High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor to nuclear hydrogen plants.
The purpose of this study is to analyze tritium transport from the nuclear reactor to hydrogen plants. In this study INL may develop the numerical tool or use a computer code developed by Japan Atomic Energy Agency depending on the bilateral agreement. In the tritium analysis codes, diffusion data and correlations are based on the simple experiments. Therefore, there are some difficulties to apply them directly to a compact heat exchanger (HX) such as printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) type HXs, which consist of semi-circular shaped holes. In this work, the diffusion rates of PCHE type HXs will be estimated by computational methods. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code or Comsol Multi-physics code will be utilized here. In addition to this, the effect of the HX's pitch arrangement on the tritium penetration rates will be estimated and finally, the best internal configurations of PCHE will be suggested.
This is a multi-year task. In FY-08, we will focus on a number of benchmarking calculations using Peach Bottom data and validation.
A student who has experience in heat transfer and CFD code is preferred and if not, INL will provide necessary training for this work.
Contact: Chang Oh, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-2
Data Collection and Analysis on Plasma Diagnostic Devices of a Tokamak Magnetic Fusion Experiment
A physics or nuclear engineering student, senior or first year graduate student, is needed to perform data collection and analysis on operating experiences of plasma diagnostics of a US tokamak. The student will learn about various diagnostics, review failure reports, analyze the data to develop device failure rates and repair rates. The student will compare the data analysis results to any other published data on diagnostics. Necessary skills include basic understanding of diagnostic device functions, types, and construction (or willingness to learn such information) and basic undergraduate statistics. The student would prepare a presentation or poster on the summer’s activities and document the analysis in a report.
Contact: Lee Cadwallader, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-4
ATR National Scientific User Facility
The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) is one of the world's largest and most capable irradiation testing facilities. The reactor's high flux allows accelerated testing of reactor materials and components, so that a lifetime neutron exposure can be accumulated in a relatively short time. The ATR National Scientific User facility operates to make available these world class capabilities for use by nuclear researchers who agree to publish the results of experiments. The User Facility includes both state-of-the art irradiation testing and post-irradiation examination capabilities. Current major projects include development of an irradiation test vehicles for high temperature instrumented irradiation experiments, development of boiling water capsule experiment hardware, and methodology and design of systems for crack growth rate and fracture toughness testing of irradiated materials.
Contact: Mitchell K. Meyer, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-5
GFR Vented Fuel Pin Sensitivity Study
Current research on the 2400 MW gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) concept examines the feasibility of the vented fuel pin design (VFP). The VFP provides a flow circuit to vent fission product gases from the fuel pin, which decreases the cladding hoop stress and the requisite outlet plenum volume. An important concern for the VFP is its performance during off-normal transients. The objective for this intern position is to perform sensitivity analyses that predicts the VFP response during small and large break loss of coolant accidents. Analyses will be performed using CFD (STAR-CD or FLUENT) and the INL RELAP5 system code on a Linux workstation. The preferred candidate is a graduate level nuclear engineering student with a strong background in thermal hydraulics, working knowledge of CFD modeling (meshing and analysis), and basic knowledge of the RELAP5 system code.
Contact: Theron Marshall, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-6
Advanced High-Temperature Oxygen Sensor Design
The large break air ingress transient for high temperature gas cooled reactors poses the challenging safety question of when natural circulation is initiated. Accurate modeling of the transient is dependent upon the oxygen transport rate, which is initially limited to diffusion. Existing oxygen technology does not provide instrumentation for high-temperature operations (T < 450 C) or space-related measurements. The objective for this intern position is to summarize the current state-of-the-art in high-temperature oxygen sensor technology and develop a conceptual design for a high-temperature and time-space cognizant oxygen sensor. The preferred candidate is a graduate level student with a strong background in instrumentation and controls.
Contact: Theron Marshall, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-7
Data Collection and Analysis for Preventative/Predictive Maintenance on ATR Support Systems
A nuclear engineering student, junior or senior, is desired for performing data collection and analysis for Preventative/Predictive Maintenance on ATR Support systems. The student will collect and compare field data with industry standards for Preventative/Predictive Maintenance data. Results will be presented to engineers for final acceptance and incorporate into established programs. The student would prepare a presentation on the summer's activities and document work in a report.
Contact: Phil Erickson, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-8
Verify and Validate Nuclear Physics Codes
Each cycle run in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) has a different core configuration which must be analyzed for safety. A large suite of codes and scripts are used to perform this safety analysis. These codes are currently run on an older UNIX workstation where they have been verified and validated (V&Vd). The essential codes have been transferred to a new UNIX workstation but the scripts need to be checked and modified to work as expected. Finally, the entire package will need to be verified and validated on the new platform. This work can be performed at an office location in Idaho Falls.
Contact: Paul Roth, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-9
Nuclear S&T
Evaluate the reactivity worth (in terms of ((delta K)/K)) of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) flux traps and all other areas of interest in all stages of voiding. homogeneous densities from 1 to 0 incrementally, and voided by sub region with in the region of interest, (i.e. a half inch cylinder voided down the middle of flux trap probably has more reactivity worth a homogeneous density of .95, but they both have the same mass. Document results.
Contact: Frances Marshall, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-10
Nuclear S&T
Determine grams of U-235 per 0.1 degree of OSCC rotation at various irradiation positions around the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) core and in the driver fuel. Do this with all fresh fuel and with burned fuel (as realistically as possible). Document results.
Contact: Frances Marshall, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-11
Nuclear S&T
Determine the reactivity worth of historic isotope targets loaded into the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) a-positions, b-positions, h-positions, and Small Irradiation Housing Assembly positions in the South East and Center flux traps. Determine collapsed 1-group cross sections for the reactions of interest (it would also be desirable to evaluate these same isotopes for irradiation in the rabbit). Document results.
Contact: Frances Marshall, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-12
Nuclear S&T
Evaluate a mixed fuel model for the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR); a combination of 19-plate discrete and 3-region lumped models. Determine the difference in its ability to predict fine detail in areas of interest (peak flux and fission density in driver fuel and other driver fuel limits) compared to the all discrete model. Document results.
Contact: Frances Marshall, Send E-mail
Project Number: NE-13
Experimental graphite characteristic study
As part of an international collaboration program, INL is going to perform experimental work in terms of measuring the internal pore surface area density of nuclear-grade graphite, which we found to be a very important parameter in the early stage of graphite oxidation, and the transient graphite oxidation with oxidation. The results of these measurements will be implemented into an upgraded GAMMA code INL has developed. The following activities will be carried out in this task:
- Measurement of surface area density of nuclear graphite using Brunaur-Emmett-Teller (BET) method
- Measurement of transient graphite oxidation
- Implementation of the advanced graphite material parameters into GAMMA code.
A student who has experimental experience is preferred and will be involved only in the experimental portion of work. INL will provide necessary training for this work.
Contact: Chang Oh, Send E-mail
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