Exploring diversion-pathway analysis of a generic molten-salt fast reactor using multiphysics informed signatures
Molten salt reactors are being explored by multiple commercial ventures due to their inherent safety features, flexibility in fuel sources, and high fuel utilization and thermal efficiency. The continual flow of fuel salt, large fissile quantities present, and ability to add or divert material due to the liquid nature introduces new challenges for international safeguards. […]
Status of New Models Hosted on the Virtual Test Bed (VTB) in 2024
The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) mission is to support deployment of novel reactor concepts. This is achieved by providing physical and virtual spaces for building and testing various components, systems, and complete pilot plants. The Virtual Test Bed (VTB) represents the virtual counterpart to the physical test bed. It is in development in collaboration […]
Development of a Computational Framework for Multiphysics Multiphase Species Tracking using NEAMS Tools
This report implements a high-fidelity multiphysics modeling framework using the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program tools to track isotopic species in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), with a specific focus on the 91-depletion chain within the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE). The model integrates neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, depletion, and thermochemistry to simulate the production, […]
Recent Advanced Reactor Multiphysics Model Highlights in the Virtual Test Bed (VTB)
The Virtual Test Bed (VTB) host over 30 distinct simulations that showcase state-of-the art capabilities across the national lab complex. An update on the status of models on the VTB is summarized here, along with a more detailed overview of select recent new capabilities to showcase. All of the major advanced reactor types are represented […]
Application of NEAMS Multiphysics Framework for Species Tracking in Molten Salt Reactors
This report from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) summarizes the key modeling and simulation activities conducted under the Department of Energy (DOE) Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Campaign during the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The focus of the work was to leverage state-of-the-art modeling capabilities from the DOE Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) codes to […]
Release on the Virtual Test Bed of a Molten Salt Reactor Experiment SAM-Pronghorn Coupled Model using the Domain Overlapping Approach
The nuclear industry is taking leaps in innovations with companies seeking a sustainable energy future through advanced nuclear reactors. The Department of Energy (DOE)’s Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program seeks to substantiate and bolster the deployment of advanced reactors through flexible multifidelity, multiphysics simulations of advanced nuclear reactors. Applications like SAM for […]
Improvements in High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor Modeling Capabilities in the Pronghorn Code
This report details the improvement of pebble bed reactor modeling capabilities in the Pronghorn code in fiscal year 2022. The following accomplishments are reported: • DeploymentofweaklycompressiblefinitevolumeformulationtotheHTR- PM reference plan model. • Enable modeling of stagnant gas gaps in the finite volume formulation. • Enable using all Pronghorn correlations available in the finite element version in […]
The Virtual Test Bed (VTB) Repository: A Library of Reference Reactor Models Using NEAMS Tools
With the next generation of nuclear reactors under development, modeling and simulation tools are being developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to support their design, licensing, and future operation. Mirroring the physical test beds currently under construction (i.e., Demonstration and Operation of Microreactor Experiments, known as DOME, and Laboratory for Operating and Testing in […]
Status of New Models Hosted on the Virtual Test Bed (VTB) in 2022
The VTB hosts 20 distinct models, 8 of which were recently developed during 2022 and will be discussed in more detail here. This article provides an overview of the various models hosted and their capabilities. Part of the intent of the VTB is to showcase a ‘block’ style approach to modeling and simulation: if a […]
Implementation of Isotopic Removal Capability in Griffin for Multi-Region MSR Depletion Analysis
This work reports the first step in such an analysis, the verification of isotope removal capability for multi-region MSR depletion in Griffin. Verification studies are performed against SERPENT for chemical species removal from the core to an off-gas system for MSR analysis. A brief review of the Bateman equations including the isotopic removal term is […]