About Us

What our lab does

Our laboratory belongs to the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Seoul National University, and we are conducting research on nuclear materials and related physical and chemical processes.

Our research methods

Our group primarily conducts computer simulations and theoretical studies. The following are typical methods we use in our research.

• First-principles calculation, such as density functional theory (DFT) calculation

• Molecular dynamics (MD) calculation

• Equilibrium theory

• Kinetic theory and rate model

The difference between our methods and conventional simulation methods in nuclear engineering is that we directly simulate the behavior of atoms (i.e., atomistic simulation). In contrast, most conventional methods deal with continua, such as fluids and structures, and focus on macroscopic quantities, such as temperature and concentration.

Materials we study

One of the unique features of our laboratory is that we study both fusion and fission materials.

The materials we have recently studied or are currently studying that are relevant to nuclear fusion energy include

• Tungsten (W) as a plasma-facing material

• Copper (Cu) as a coolant pipe behind a plasma-facing material

• Iron (Fe) as a structural material for fusion blanket

• Li2TiO3 and Li4SiO4 as tritium breeding materials

• Solid/liquid/gas hydrogen isotopes (H2, D2, T2, etc) as fuels

• Uranium tritide (UT3) as a tritium storage material

The materials we have recently studied or are currently studying that are relevant to nuclear fission energy include

• Zirconium (Zr) as a fuel cladding material

• Uranium (U) as an advanced metal fuel

• Iron (Fe) as a structural and cladding material for advanced reactors

• Liquid metals, such as sodium (Na) and lead (Pb), as coolant materials for fast reactors

• Molten salts as coolant materials for advanced reactors

Contributions to nuclear engineering and materials science

Individual research in our group often aims at 

• (1) detailed understanding and modeling of phenomena observed or expected in nuclear materials, or

• (2) accurate determination of physical properties that are important in the performance evaluation of nuclear materials.

The results of such research cannot directly solve the problems of nuclear engineering, which is an enormously complex technology. Still, they are indispensable to ensuring the safety of nuclear energy systems by advancing and refining macroscopic models scientifically. They are also essential for efficiently developing new materials and better predicting and interpreting the behavior of materials in an accident. 

Students who are likely to fit in our lab

• Our laboratory conducts engineering-oriented research (use of science in practical applications, particularly for nuclear engineering) but also includes many scientific elements (understanding of phenomena). Thus, our laboratory is a good fit for students who are interested in engineering but feel uncomfortable with a conventional engineering approach that sometimes makes excessive assumptions.

  • • On the other hand, if you want to work on more direct engineering problems, our lab may not be a good fit.

• Students who find my lectures on physical chemistry and materials interesting will likely be suited to our lab.

• It is also suitable for students who want to do nuclear fusion research but prefer to do something other than plasma research.

• If you are even a little bit interested, please consider applying for a summer or winter internship and send us an email.