The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), has once again produced a new doctoral graduate through a doctoral promotion defense held on Monday (04/08). Susyadi successfully defended his dissertation titled “Condensation Cooling Research as an Emergency Action Solution during LOCA with ECCS (Emergency Core Cooling System) Failure in the NuScale Reactor Using an Experimental Loop Facility.” This research was inspired by lessons learned from the Fukushima tragedy, which demonstrated that severe accidents can occur simultaneously with the failure of reactor safety systems.
In his study, Susyadi analyzed the Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) scenario accompanied by the failure of the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) in the NuScale reactor. His findings indicate that condensation cooling through the steam generator is effective as an emergency solution in LOCA cases involving ECCS failure. However, the decrease in water level during the initial injection phase may cause the reactor core to not be fully submerged for a short period, thus requiring further investigation.
“This method can significantly reduce temperature and pressure, maintaining the reactor in a safe condition. However, a better water level control strategy during the early injection phase is necessary to ensure optimal cooling,” explained Susyadi.
He added that his research is expected to make a tangible contribution to the development of safety strategies for new-generation reactors such as NuScale, while also strengthening preparedness for severe accident scenarios. “This study not only contributes to enhancing nuclear safety technology but also serves as an important reference to support the development of safer nuclear energy in the future,” he said.
For his academic achievement, Susyadi graduated with honors (Cum Laude) and achieved a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00. With this accomplishment, he became the 124th Doctor from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the 621st Doctor from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia.
FTUI Dean, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for Susyadi’s achievement. “This research is highly important and relevant in supporting the development of safer new-generation nuclear energy. FTUI is proud to produce doctoral graduates who not only advance scientific knowledge but also provide real solutions to national challenges in the energy sector,” he stated.
The open doctoral defense was chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Nandy Setiadi Djaya Putra, IPU. Acting as the promoter was Prof. Dr. Ir. Nandy Setiadi Djaya Putra, IPU., with Prof. Dr. Ir. Raldi Artono Koestoer, DEA. as co-promoter 1, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Mulya Juarsa, S.Si., MESc. as co-promoter 2. The examiner board consisted of Prof. Dr. Ir. Anhar Riza Antariksawan, DEA., IPU.; Prof. Dr. Engkos Ahmad Kosasih, M.T.; Prof. Dr. Imansyah Ibnu Hakim, M.Eng.; and Dr. Sholahuddin.
This achievement once again underscores FTUI’s vital role in producing outstanding doctoral graduates who make significant contributions to the advancement of science, technology, and energy safety in Indonesia.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
