ORNL’s modeling and simulation capabilities are accelerating nuclear deployment

[Marlin]

ORNL's modeling and simulation capabilities are accelerating nuclear deployment

https://www.ornl.gov/news/advanced-modeling-accelerates-nuclear-energy

[Core Content]

Advanced modeling accelerates nuclear energy | ORNL

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is utilizing its SCALE code system and VERA software to provide modeling and simulation support for advanced reactor designs and existing light-water reactor power uprates. These computational tools allow developers and regulators to verify reactor performance, safety, and fuel behavior before committing to physical construction or hardware fabrication.

This technical validation process reduces uncertainty for stakeholders by providing independent assessments of reactor physics and safety margins. By applying these simulation capabilities to projects like the Kairos Hermes demonstration reactor, the laboratory establishes a regulatory pathway for new technologies while helping current operators optimize power production through rigorous, data-driven analysis.

Rike Bostelmann uses ORNL's SCALE code system to develop a model of the Kairos Hermes demonstration reactor, the first commercial fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor to be built in the U.S. Credit: Jesse Vanderpool, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy

Before capital is committed, components are fabricated, or a reactor enters construction, the nuclear developers, utilities and regulators need confidence that all parts will perform as expected.

Read the full article at ORNL:
https://www.ornl.gov/news/advanced-modeling-accelerates-nuclear-energy