Development of a new nuclear reactor design involves reliable analysis tools to investigate the feasibility of its conceptual design or to determine specific parameters needed for the design optimization. And the advanced modeling and simulation are expected to play a major role for the development of a new nuclear reactor. One of the fast and effective ways for the students to understand the design concept of a nuclear reactor and the underlining physics would be by learning relevant analysis tools for the investigation of a conceptual design. The class provides an overview of state-of-the-art research and development status in modeling and simulation technology for nuclear reactors.

Modeling and simulation of a nuclear reactor consist of multi-physics including neutron kinetics, thermal hydraulics, and fuel mechanics, among which thermal hydraulics play a major role for the safety and performance analysis. The students will acquire foundational knowledge of thermal hydraulic models adopted in the safety and performance analysis codes for nuclear reactors.