Meet Weimin Ma, Professor in Nuclear Power Safety
Motivated by the vital role of nuclear power in energy supply and CO2 reduction, Weimin Ma has spent over two decades advancing the field of nuclear safety. His work addresses complex, multidisciplinary challenges, contributing significantly to improving reactor safety. Outside of work, he enjoys the simplicity of golf, finding relaxation and connection in the game.
Congratulations on your appointment as professor! What inspired you to specialize in nuclear power safety?
"Nuclear power has been making a significant contribution to the world total energy supply and playing an important role in the reduction of CO2 emissions. Safety is a prerequisite for sustainable development of nuclear power, and nuclear power should not contribute significantly to individual and societal health risks. Nuclear power safety is a multidisciplinary subject, involving multiphase/multi-physics problems and complex risk assessment. The importance and multidisciplinary feature of nuclear power safety inspired me to specialize in it."
What is the focus of your current research?
"My current research is driven by outstanding and emerging issues in risk assessment of both existing and future nuclear reactors. The focus of my research is on (i) basic understanding of physical phenomena which may appear under accident conditions of nuclear reactors, including two-phase flow and heat transfer, as well as molten fuel coolant interactions; (ii) modeling of accident phenomena important to risk assessment to nuclear reactors; and (iii) performing safety analyses for nuclear power plants, from design basis accident (DBA) analysis for events which may occur in reactor lifetime, to beyond design basis accident (BDBA) analysis for very rare and high-consequence events."
How can your research improve nuclear safety?
"My research is mainly issue-resolution oriented, i.e., the goal of my research is to help resolve the issues (e.g., scientific and technical problems, societal concerns) encountered in nuclear power safety. Therefore, the new knowledge (data, models, codes, methodologies, insights) developed in my research has a direct impact on nuclear power safety. For instance, the results of my research on two-phase flow and heat transfer in porous media has significantly improved our confidence in the successful cooling of reactor core materials under extreme conditions postulated in nuclear power plants. My research work also helps to educate and train young scientists/engineers to become qualified researchers and analysts for nuclear power safety. They are potential forces to improve nuclear safety and safety culture."
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
"In my free time, I really enjoy spending time with families and friends. One activity I really enjoy doing outside of work is playing golf. I took lessons in a golf club a few years ago, have been playing on weekends in summer. I love golf, since it gives me good physical exercise. In addition, when I play golf, I forget about any stress and just enjoy the nature and the game. I feel that golf helps me make new friends, as well as communicate and connect with other people. Playing golf has also helped me grow my level of self-confidence in public settings."