Overview
New Ways of Understanding Nuclear Energy Technology
Nuclear modeling and simulation tools available today are empirically based, valid for conditions very close to the original experiments, and in many cases incremental improvements on decades-old codes. The mission of the NEAMS program is to set computer modeling of nuclear energy systems on a modern footing in order to simulate nuclear systems with much higher fidelity and well-defined and validated prediction capabilities. Systems to be modeled include reactors, fuel fabrication plants, used-fuel processing plants, and waste disposition systems during normal and off-normal conditions. This will be achieved by employing advanced software environments and modern high-performance computers available today to create a set of engineering-level codes in which fuels and materials continuum properties are informed by first-principles modeling of materials on atomistic and meso scale, experimentally validated. A set of simulation tools will be developed that promote interoperability of codes with respect to spatial meshing, materials and fuels models, and achieve a common "look and feel" for setting up problems and displaying results. The tool set to be developed aims to achieve scalability in terms of computing power and the types and couplings of the physics that dominates the system behavior.
Fortunately, the nuclear energy world will not have to invent many of the foundational capabilities to support these advances. Other DOE programs such as SciDAC (Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing) and ASC (Advanced Simulation and Computing) have successfully demonstrated the value of creating scientific understanding through simulation of three-dimensional, high-resolution, science-based physical behaviors for very complex systems. A similar level of capability is required to provide assurance of safety, reliability and efficiency of the next generation of nuclear systems at lower cost.
In the commercial world, modeling and simulation using advanced computing have had significant impacts. Boeing as a standard practice utilizes modeling and simulation capabilities to explore design options before physically building prototypes for experimental testing. A study released from the Council on Competitiveness stated that modeling and simulation allows engineers to design better airplanes with fewer resources, in less time, with far less physical simulation based on wind tunnel testing. It goes on further to state that when engineers were designing the 767, they built and tested 77 wings. Compare that with the design of the 787 and 747-8, which took advantage of modeling and simulation, and only 7 wing designs were built and tested. This resulted in significant savings in time and resources. Another example is Goodyear’s use of modeling and simulation to develop the Triple Tread tire product. Modeling and simulation allowed the development of a product that would not have been possible using a traditional “try and see” approach. Modeling and simulation was also used to support a “materials-by-design” approach for Caterpillar to develop a new high-temperature stainless steel with certain toughness characteristics that is being used in a new engine product.
