CV: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1acsZBgQuy1vIpn3kbymAbYXkfqr6PlZL/view?usp=sharing
Contact mails:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefano-mannucci-823372292
Cycle: XXXXI
Curriculum: Nuclear Engineering
Title of the PhD Project:
Conceptual Design of a Nuclear Reactor for an Ammonia-based Bimodal Nuclear Propulsion System
Supervisors:
Prof. Valerio Giusti, Prof. Angelo Pasini, Dr. Elia Puccinelli
Abstract of the PhD project:
The project focuses on the conceptual design of a nuclear reactor intended for integration within an ammonia-based bimodal nuclear propulsion system, developed in the framework of the European Innovation Council project BANTER (Bimodal Ammonia Nuclear Thermal Electric Rocket). Ammonia is adopted as a unified propellant for both Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) modes, enabling compact, reusable, and multi-functional propulsion stages for deep-space applications. The work concentrates on defining the reactor architecture suited for high-temperature ammonia operation, including neutronic analysis, thermal management strategies, fuel element selection, and core design under bimodal operating conditions. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring reactor performance, safety, and integration with both the thermal propulsion and electric power-generation modes of the system.
Videolinks of the Project: BANTER , BANTER: Europe’s First Bimodal Ammonia Nuclear Rocket | Propulsion System Explained
Experiences:
- Research Scholarship funded by the Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA) for studies on SELENE (Sistemi Energetici Lunari con l'Energia NuclearE) project (9 months).
- Visiting Scholar at The Ohio State University (3 months) to complete the Master’s Thesis project on Nuclear Thermal Propulsion
- Internship at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (2 months) working in the Superconductive Magnets department.