School: Pennsylvania State University

Began Rickover Fellowship: September 2008

Lab Assignment: Bettis, Summer 2009

Lab Mentor: Dr. David L. Aumiller, Jr.

Degree(s):
B.S. Mechanical Engineering - Penn State
B.S. Nuclear Engineering - Penn State
M.S. Nuclear Engineering - Penn State

Expected Graduation Date: December 2011

University Advisor: Dr. Fan-Bill Cheung

Field of Study: Nuclear Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics, Two-Phase Flow, Transient Safety Analysis Codes

Email Address: mjm596@psu.edu

Summary of Research:

Research focuses on post critical heat flux (CHF) heat transfer, particularly Dispersed Flow Film Boiling (DFFB). In DFFB, there are three main heat transfer modes: forced convection between the heated surface and superheated vapor, heat transfer from the superheated vapor to dispersed saturated droplets, and radiative heat transfer between the heated surface and the dispersed droplets. In this heat transfer regime, superheated vapor blankets the heated surface and saturated liquid droplets in the flow cannot come into contact heated surface. The research will include experimental measurements under a variety of DFFB conditions to gain a more fundamental understanding of the phenomena. The main objective of the research is the development of a DFFB heat transfer correlation that could be implemented over a wide range of conditions and applications.

Publications:

1. M.J. Meholic, “Increased Convective Heat Transfer Caused by Spacer Grids in Laminar, High Void Fraction Flows”, ANS National Winter Meeting, Reno, NV, November 2008.
   
   
2. M. J. Meholic, “The Implementation of Thermal-Hydraulic Spacer Grid Models Into the TRACE Transient Analysis Code”, M.S. Thesis, Pennsylvania State University, May 2008.
   
   
3. M.J. Meholic, D.J. Skilone, “VVER-1000 Fuel Rod Design and Optimization”, ANS National Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C., November 2007.
   
   
4. M.J. Meholic, D.J. Skilone, A.S. Bielen, “Optimum Loading Pattern Design and Analysis Considerations”, ANS National Winter Meeting, Albuquerque, NM, November 2006.
   
   
5. M.J. Meholic, “The Influence of Hydrides on the Cracking of Zirconium Alloys for Nuclear Alloys”, Honors Thesis, Pennsylvania State University, December 2006.