Advanced Nuclear Technologies - ANT

The ANT Research Group at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC, Barcelona, Spain), conducts research in nuclear science and engineering. The group's areas of expertise include thermal-hydraulics of nuclear power plants, fusion technology, and experimental nuclear physics, applications, and instrumentation. ANT conducts research, provides training, and addresses safety considerations. The group collaborates and applies diverse expertise to contribute to advancements in the field.
ANT is a recognized research group by AGAUR (2021 SGR 00217)

Leading the way in nuclear science and engineering at UPC
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain

Focus

The ANT research group studies various aspects of nuclear science and technology. We conduct research, provide training, and address safety considerations.

Areas of Expertise

  • Thermal hydraulics and safety (THS): We focus on high-quality studies of cooling systems and safety protocols for nuclear reactors, ensuring their efficiency and reliability.
  • Fusion technology (FUS): We conduct research and development of technology for controlled nuclear fusion as an energy source, covering::
  • Experimental Nuclear Physics, Applications, and Instrumentation (ENPAI): We study the fundamental properties of atomic nuclei through experimental research, encompassing:
    • Nuclear decays: Studying the behavior of unstable nuclei as they undergo various decay processes with high-precision measurements.
    • Neutron detection: Developing and deploying specialized neutron detectors for characterization in various environments.
    • Detector and instrumentation development: Creating and refining tools for the measurement and analysis of nuclear phenomena, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency.
    • Nuclear reactions cross-section measurements: Accurately determining the probability of specific nuclear reactions induced by radiation. This data is used for understanding nuclear reactor behavior, stellar nucleosynthesis, and other applications.

Mission

  • Conduct research to advance knowledge in nuclear science and engineering.
  • Provide research-based education for master's and Ph.D. students, preparing them for careers in research, industry, and public service.
  • Promote safety and responsibility in nuclear professionals through rigorous training and ethical practices.

Collaborative approach

  • We encourage collaboration among researchers with diverse backgrounds and interests. This approach facilitates comprehensive understanding and develops solutions to challenges in nuclear science and technology.
  • We employ an interdisciplinary approach to address complex problems, integrating expertise from various fields of nuclear engineering to ensure a comprehensive perspective.
  • We utilize multi-physics simulation tools (MCNPX, GEANT4, FLUKA, CFD, RELAP5, TRACE codes, etc.) for detailed analysis of nuclear systems and phenomena.

Societal Outreach and Education

The ANT research group actively supports educational programs, including the Master in Nuclear Engineering (MNE EMINE) and the doctoral program Nuclear Engineering and Ionizing Radiation, contributing to the development of future professionals and fostering public understanding of nuclear science and technology.

The ANT research group contributes to the advancement of nuclear science and engineering through collaboration, safety practices, and research for the benefit of the nuclear research community, industry, and society.

Contact: Prof. Guillem Cortes