Multi-Physics and Multi-Scale Modeling and Simulation Methods for Nuclear Reactor Application

Book excerpt: A nuclear reactor operates in an environment where complex multi-physics and multi-scale phenomena exist, and it requires consideration of coupling among neutronics, thermal hydraulics, fuel performance, chemical dynamics, and coupling between the reactor core and first circuit. Safe, reliable, and economical operation can be achieved by leveraging high-fidelity numerical simulation, and proper considerations for coupling among different physics and required to provide powerful numerical simulation tools. In the past simplistic models for some of the physics phenomena are used, with the recent development of advanced numerical methods, software design, and high-performance computing power, the appeal of multi-physics and multi-scale modeling and simulation has been broadened.