Minouchehr "Iranian Scientist in Reactor Simulation" Assassinated in Israel's Strikes

He took effective steps towards the scientific self-sufficiency of the country's nuclear industry by utilizing multi-scale approaches (from atoms to reactors).

Abdolhamid Minouchehr was born on June 16, 1962, and was an Iranian nuclear physicist who was martyred along with his family during the Israeli attacks on Iran in June 2025. He was the dean of the Faculty of Nuclear Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University.

After completing his studies in nuclear engineering and receiving a PhD from Moscow University, he became a faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University. His specialization was reactors, and he was also active in the fields of nuclear simulation and advanced nuclear fuel design.

Minouchehr had conducted extensive research in the field of increasing the efficiency and safety of nuclear power plants. He was the dean of the Faculty of Nuclear Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University for a while. He was also the editor-in-chief of the electronic journal ‘Nuclear Technology and Energy’.

Dr. Minouchehr was a multidimensional scientist in the field of nuclear engineering who was interested in numerical and computational methods, simulation of physical and mechanical phenomena, reactor safety, investigation of material properties at the micro and nano scale, non-destructive testing methods, and environmental applications.

By examining the collection of articles by Dr. Minouchehr, one can understand his pivotal role in the fields of nuclear engineering, materials, and computational methods.

His most important scientific characteristics, concerns and activities are summarized as follows:

Simulation and modeling of nuclear phenomena

Dr. Minouchehr is one of the pioneers in the use of numerical and computational methods in studying the behavior of fuel rods, reactor cores and their internal interactions. This approach includes: - Using the finite element method (FEA) for thermomechanical analysis of fuel rods

Using the meshless method and radial beam functions (RBF) in solving the neutron scattering equation. These types of studies play a key role in the design and optimization of the performance of nuclear reactors.

Using molecular dynamics in the study of nuclear materials

In articles he published in the field of nano and molecular dynamics, he investigated the effect of the presence of atomic defects (such as vacancies) on the physical and mechanical properties of materials (like nickel and epoxy resins). This field reflects his concern for a deep understanding of the atomic level of materials used in the nuclear industry.

Investigating the intrinsic safety of reactors

One of Dr. Minouchehr's main concerns is the safety of nuclear reactors. In particular, in an article he wrote about the Brest-300 fast reactor, he addressed the intrinsic safety and safe design principles of the fourth-generation reactors. This shows his attention to detail and desire to develop safer methods in nuclear energy production.

Improving non-destructive testing methods

He also had significant activities in the field of non-destructive testing, specially eddy currents. The articles he has published with his colleagues in domestic and international conferences are dedicated to optimizing test frequency and identifying discontinuities in nuclear fuel.

Environmental modeling and pollutant release

In one of his older articles, he discussed the modeling of atmospheric pollutant release using AERMOD software and Bayesian methods (Monte Carlo Markov Chain). This shows the diversity of scientific perspectives and the relationship between nuclear science and environmental issues.

Over the years, Dr. Minouchehr has collaborated with numerous researchers at domestic universities and research centers (like Shahid Beheshti University, Azad University, Niroo Research Institute, etc.). His presence at domestic and international conferences and collaboration with young researchers indicate his role as a teacher and mentor in the Iranian scientific community.

Minouchehr was assassinated in recent Israeli raids on the capital city of Tehran. 

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