The Effect of Point Reactor Kinetics Solvers on the Uncertainties of Nuclear Reactor Simulations
In this study, the transient response of a reactor in the case of reactivity insertion with and without reactivity feedback was explored. The uncertainties resulting from using various numerical solvers to simulate the reactor response using the point reactor kinetics model were investigated.
Uncertainty Propagation from Experiment Measurements to Modeling Approaches: A Case for SMR Steam Entrainment Testing
To license new and advanced reactor designs, regulators must be convinced that their unique safety cases—relative to existing large scale reactors—have been adequately addressed by the designed reactor protection systems. In water cooled small modular reactors (SMRs), droplet entrainment in steam flow has significant implications on the progression of accident scenarios due to its compact […]
Non-Nuclear Test Facility Development to Support Verification and Validation Needs
This study focuses on developing a non-nuclear test facility to help meet the verification and validation (V&V) requirements of a water-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) system. The scaling analysis necessary for reactor system experimentation and assessment model V&V considers various reactor system accident scenarios such as main steam line break (MSLB), steam generator tube rupture […]
Special issue on Advanced Reactor Thermal Hydraulics Experiments and Modeling Supporting Verification and Validation Needs
Prof. Xiaodong Sun and I are Guest Editors and have written a Foreword for the Journal. The Nuclear Science and Engineering Special Issue focuses on thermal hydraulics experiments and modelling, supporting verification and validation needs for advanced reactor development.
Optical Absorption of Fused Silica and Sapphire Exposed to Neutron and Gamma Radiation with Simultaneous Thermal Annealing
The simultaneous effects of radiation and thermal annealing on optical absorption in fused silica and sapphire subjected to gamma irradiation up to doses of 10 Mrad, and mixed neutron/gamma irradiation up to total neutron fluence of 1.7 ×10 17 n ·cm -2 (211 Mrad gamma) are reported and discussed. Ther- mal annealing was performed post-irradiation […]
Parametric and Sensitivity Analysis of a Physics-based Steam Generator Model
For this study, we used Python and machine-learning tools to perform a comprehensive parametric and sensitivity analysis on a steam generator (SG) model. (The Python model was based on a previously completed MATLAB framework for the Holtec SMR-160 SG.) We investigated the influence of various input parameters (e.g., heat transfer coefficient [HTC], Nusselt number, and […]
Sizing and Selection of Pressure Relief Valves for High-Pressure Thermal–Hydraulic Systems
This study covers the critical concerns related to the sizing, selection, installation, maintenance, and testing of pressure safety valves (PSVs). The aim is to ensure the safety of pressurized systems, hydrostatic transmission systems, and hydraulic plants, including process plants, thermal power plants, and nuclear reactor systems. PSVs are devices that ensure the safety and reliability […]
Presentation: Evaluating scaling effects of steam condensation physics-based model for small modular reactors safety
This study focused on assessing condensation heat transfer (CHT) models for enhancing the passive safety of small modular reactors (SMRs). It also encompassed a review of the theoretical and semi-theoretical CHT models and correlations. Condensation models such as the degradation factor, heat and mass transfer analogy (HMTA), and boundary layer models are used to study […]
A comparative study on deep learning models for condition monitoring of advanced reactor piping systems
Advanced nuclear reactors offer innovative applications due to their portability, reliability, resiliency, and high capacity factors. To operate them on a wider scale, reducing maintenance life-cycle costs while ensuring their integrity is essential. Autonomous operations in advanced nuclear reactors using augmented Digital Twin (DT) technology can serve as a cost-effective solution by increasing awareness about […]
Analysis on the Preliminary Gap Conductance Test with Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator
Microreactor is a type of nuclear reactor that is intended to produce thermal energy from the micro and integrated design. Among various microreactor roadmaps, microreactor with heat pipes is one of the promising designs that under active development. At Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) Microreactor Program (MRP), a […]