Nathan Bieberdorf

Ph.D. Candidate

My research is aimed at quantifying the simultaneous effects of extreme temperature, stress, radiation, and corrosion on microstructure evolution in metals used in nuclear reactors, as part of the EFRC FUTURE project. More specifically, I am using phase-field modeling to explore how corrosion and irradiation couple in grain boundary dealloying processes. As part of our multiscale effort, the mesoscale model I am developing also leverages a fundamental understanding of defect properties determined using atomistic simulations. The outcomes of this research will enhance the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants with corrosive working fluids (e.g. molten salt).

I am originally from Austin, Texas, and earned by BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. In my spare time I enjoy playing soccer, going to concerts, and traveling.