IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE, UK.
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
EPSRC/MAGNOX ELECTRIC CASE AWARD IN STATISTICS
Modelling and Analysis of Reactor Radiation Damage
Imperial College Department of Mathematics, in conjunction with
Magnox Electric PLC, offer an EPSRC CASE studentship in
statistics, commencing 1 October 1998. The project involves
the application of Bayesian statistical techniques to a
complex data analysis problem in the physical sciences.
Magnox Electric employ surveillance schemes to monitor the effects
of neutron irradiation and thermal aging on reactor pressure
vessel materials. Specimens are periodically withdrawn for impact
testing to evaluate the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature
for different irradiation dose levels. The data obtained are then
used to infer changes in the fracture toughness, with such studies
eventually forming part of a systematic probabilistic risk assessment
of reactor safety.
Attempts have been made to model the observed data statistically
in terms of a parameterized non-linear regression function of test
temperature, in which the parameters are themselves dependent on
irradiation dose. The resulting models are very complicated and
have required the development of tailored versions of Markov chain
Monte Carlo simulation methods. However, it is clear that these
models require further refinement, leading to even more challenging
problems of statistical analysis and computation. Once a
satisfactory model has been developed, it is to be used to design
further surveillance studies.
The project poses novel problems in statistical modelling,
computation and experimental design. The CASE student would therefore
receive important research training in the areas of;
- hierarchical, non-linear regression modelling
- the analysis of mixture models in a non-linear setting
- Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods for the
Bayesian statistical analysis of complex multiparameter
likelihoods
- experimental design for non-linear regression
- measurement problems associated with an important technological
setting
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain at least an Upper Second
Class degree in a subject with significant mathematical,
statistical or physical science content.
Note: From 1 October, 1998, there will be additional stipend of 2500stlg
per annum above the standard grant.
The Statistics Group at Imperial College offers a stimulating
and well-resourced environment for postgraduate study.
Applications and/or requests for information to:
Dr. David Stephens
Department of Mathematics
Imperial College London
Huxley Building
180 Queens Gate
LONDON
SW7 2BZ
Tel: 0171 594 8518
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Closing Date for Applications: 5 June, 1998
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