Title of research paper
Vortex-induced vibration in helical coil steam generators
1) Short presentation: First name, last name, program of study, supervisor, what is your research about
My name is Pegah Mehrabian and I am in my third year of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, under the supervision of Professor Njuki Mureithi. My thesis explores how flowing water causes vibrations in the helical steam generator of a small modular reactor. If you're curious about why this study matters, just look at how many nuclear power plants had to shut down because their tubes couldn't withstand Flow-Induced Vibration!
2) What was your method of explaining your thesis in 3 minutes?
I drew inspiration from TED talks, which I watch daily. My approach was to share personal experiences and express my feelings about a complex problem in my field. By giving a personal viewpoint, I aimed to illustrate my unique perspective on the issue and how it fuels my motivation to persist with a lengthy project like a PhD.
3) What inspires you to do research?
In three words: Future, people, and energy. We need clean energy (zero carbon emissions) for a sustainable future, to save the environment, to chase our dreams, and to go beyond the stars. My goal is to extend human lifespan through space exploration. Don't we need more energy to not only sustain our planet but also to achieve these ambitions?
4) If you have to dedicate your research to anyone in the past, present, or future, who would it be and why?
If I were dedicating my research, it would be to my parents and brother, for their constant support and joy they bring to my life; to my professor, who guided me into my passion; and to all resilient immigrant women striving toward their dreams.
5) 3 key words to define your research
Flow-Induced Vibration, helical geometry tube array, SMRs
