Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) Energy Innovation Hub

CASL brings together a team that will apply existing modeling and simulation capabilities and develop advanced capabilities to create a usable environment for predictive simulation of light water reactors (LWRs). This environment, designated the Virtual Reactor (VR), will:

• Enable the use of leadership-class computing for engineering design and analysis to achieve reactor power uprates, life extensions, and higher fuel burnup.
• Promote an enhanced scientific basis and understanding by replacing empirically based design and analysis tools with predictive capabilities.
• Develop a highly integrated multiphysics modeling and simulation environment for engineering analysis through increased fidelity methods [e.g., neutron transport and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) rather than diffusion theory and subchannel methods].
• Incorporate Uncertainty Quantification as a basis for developing priorities and supporting application of the VR tools for predictive simulation.

CASL will further educate today’s reactor engineers in the use of advanced modeling and simulation through direct engagement in CASL activities and develop the next generation of engineers through curricula at partner universities and engage the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to obtain guidance and direction on the use and deployment of the CASL VR tools to support licensing applications.