East Midlands Branch

 

THE INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS

AND ITS APPLICATIONS

 

Novel mathematics for the radioactive waste problem

 

Professor Andrew Cliffe

School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham

 

 

Tuesday 8 December, 2009

Starting 7.30pm

 

Maths & Physics Building, Room B23

University of Nottingham, University Park

[Campus map – http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/campuses/maps.php ]

 

Abstract

The UK Government’s policy on nuclear power states that it is a proven low-carbon technology for generating electricity and should form part of the UK’s future energy supply mix. Energy companies will be allowed to build new nuclear power stations provided the radioactive waste issue can be addressed satisfactorily. In common with most other nations having a nuclear power programme, geological disposal is the UK’s preferred option for dealing with radioactive waste in the long term.

 

Making a safety case for geological disposal is a major scientific undertaking. National and international research programmes have produced a good understanding of many of the mechanisms by which radionuclides might return to the human environment and of their consequences once there. One of the outstanding challenges is how to deal with the uncertainties inherent in geological systems and the evolution of a repository over a long period of time. Several different approaches to the treatment of uncertainty are being adopted, with some countries, including the UK, using probabilistic techniques. This talk will describe some of the mathematical challenges arising from nuclear waste disposal and the recent progress that has been made.

 

No charge is made to attend meetings, non-IMA members are welcome

 

For further details of this event or other East Midlands Branch activities consult the Web Site http://www.ima.org.uk/EMidBranch/ima.html or by contacting the Branch Secretary:

Dr Stephen Hibberd, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD; email: Stephen.Hibberd@nottingham.ac.uk or Tel. (0115) 9513841.