US scientists use 'Battleship' model to plan nuclear waste storage

Stanford University researchers have developed a novel mathematical model inspired by the game Battleship to improve the evaluation of geological materials for long-term nuclear waste and carbon dioxide storage. Using a Poisson statistical model, the approach predicts the microscopic structure of porous rock and soil by identifying components at random points and mapping their distribution. This breakthrough enables more accurate predictions of how substances move through heterogeneous materials over extended periods, addressing a longstanding challenge in modeling such complex systems. Beyond nuclear waste disposal, the model has broad applications in materials science and engineering. It can reveal microstructural properties like hardness, elasticity, and conductivity, which are critical for optimizing materials such as concrete. For example, engineers could use the model to better fill air pockets in concrete with supplementary materials, reducing cement use and associated carbon emissions while enhancing strength and lowering costs. Experts highlight the model’s potential to design composite materials with tailored properties and to improve understanding in fields like groundwater management and geothermal energy. This advancement complements other global efforts in nuclear waste management,