Nathan D. Jerred, Phd Email & Phone Number

Idaho Falls, Id

Idaho Falls, Id

I performed research pertinent to both my PhD dissertation as well as to the research interests of my advisor Dr. Indrajit Charit. My research areas included nuclear metal fuels and diffusion interaction experiments, Spark Plasma Sintering of ferrous-based alloys, and the application of Pressure Resistance Welding as a solid-state joining technique for refractory alloys and high entropy alloys. My research was supported, in part, through a Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) grant as I pursued a Doctorate in Materials Science & Engineering. My dissertation title was: Investigation of Metalloid Additives for Nuclear Metals Fuels to Mitigate Neodymium Interactions with the Cladding Alloy HT9

Idaho Falls, Idaho

At the CSNR I work with colleagues researching next-generation nuclear-based technologies for space applications. I have collaborated and developed innovative concepts reliant on nuclear-based energy - both radioisotopic- & reactor-based technologies. Recently, my research interests have been on the potential of radioisotope power sources to be applied for propulsion based systems. My most recent work in this area has been as the principal investigator on the development of a Dual-Mode Radioisotope-Based In-Space Propulsion concept funded by NASA's Innovative and Advanced Concepts program within the Science and Technology Directorate. Collaborating with NASA colleagues in the development of refractory-based fuel form concepts for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) systems. Past work sponsored by the Aerojet Rocketdyne Corporation involved producing near net-shape fuel elements with integrated cooling channels also for NTP systems. In addition to my space-based research projects, I am actively collaborating with the Idaho National Laboratory on various fuel cycle research programs - including the design & development of irradiation test vessels and researching alternative fuel cladding materials, concepts and configurations - for terrestrial reactor applications.

Idaho Falls, Idaho

As a graduate student at the University of Idaho I was accepted in to the Center for Space Nuclear Research's 'Next-Degree Program' where I worked on several research projects for the CSNR as I completed my graduate school research work & thesis. My primary project at the CSNR was the designing of a thermal hydraulic & fluid flow test facility and the manufacture of a laboratory-scale prototype of the CSNR's Mars Hopper concept. The Mars Hopper concept was a radioisotope-based probe, which relied on propulsion to maneuver across the Martian surface. The primary concept relied on the regeneration of propellant from the Martian atmosphere and regeneration of thermal energy from an on-board radioisotope core. The Mars Hopper was a collaboration project between the CSNR, the Idaho National Laboratory & several Universities - with the CSNR being the prime project manager.

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Worked with oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, the Ferritic-Martensitic (F/M) alloy HT-9 and the refractory metal tungsten. The scope of the project was to perform solid-state joining between an HT-9 end-plug and fuel cladding made of the ODS alloy-MA 957; simulating a potential fuel pin for fast-spectrum nuclear reactors. The joining process would be performed by a pressure resistance welding (PRW) apparatus. Resulting weld joint would be characterized using various mechanical and imaging techniques -micro-indentation, burst testing, OM, SEM, EBSD, EDS and TEM. Various welding configurations were explored, such as producing miniature tensile specimens and the PRW's ability to join tungsten.

Idaho Falls, Idaho

A 10 week fellowship opportunity offered at the CSNR. My group studied the potential of utilizing advanced heat exchanger concepts for NASA's Fission Surface Power (FSP) project. We also looked at the various heat engine designs and paired with different heat exchangers, optimized the conversion subsystem to minimize mass.

Wenatchee, Wa

Worked at one of Alcoa's electrowinning plants producing high quality raw aluminum. I personally worked in the anode production plant, producing high quality graphite anodes, a key component in electrolysis production scheme of aluminum. In the anode plant I was responsible for daily and weekly audits ensuring quality anode production was being maintained. I also worked on upgrading the anode furnace process to maximize the thermal potential from volatiles, while minimizing natural gas usage leading towards financial savings.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Materials Engineering

Dissertation Title: Investigation of Metalloid Additives for Nuclear Metal Fuels to Mitigate Neodymium Interactions with the Cladding.

Master Of Science, Nuclear Engineering

Activities and Societies: Member of the University of Idaho's Material Advantage society. I was also given the opportunity to present our.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Materials Science And Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Member of the University of Idaho's Material Advantage society. Participated in 20+ intramural sporting.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Metallurgical Engineering

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Materials Engineering