Overall description
The modelling of nuclear reactor systems is one of the most challenging tasks in complex system modelling, due to the many different scales and intertwined physical phenomena involved. The nuclear industry as well as the research institutes and universities heavily rely on the use of complex numerical codes, either commercially available or developed in-house.
Over six weeks, you will learn the main algorithms used in such codes for modelling nuclear reactor cores using deterministic methods (also known as core calculations). The course is not about explaining how to use such software, rather to understand the underlying methods, together with their assumptions and limitations.
The course module combines access to a textbook, pre-recorded video lessons, quizzes, a course chatbot, and live sessions, giving you flexibility to learn at your own pace while benefiting from expert-led discussions and peer exchange.
The live sessions also include exercises on an industrial lattice physics code.
After completing the course, you will be able to use deterministic core calculation codes knowing their approximations and limitations, giving you confidence in your future simulations.
Pricing
Free for students
For professionals from developed countries: 16400 SEK excl. VAT
For professionals from emerging countries: 2640 SEK excl. VAT
Skills taught in the course
Reactor physics modelling
Deterministic simulation methods
Critical assessment of numerical codes
Scientific computing literacy
Target participants
This course module is designed for:
The course does not describe the physical phenomena occurring in nuclear reactors – the course focuses instead on how to model such phenomena in simulation platforms. It is therefore highly recommended that the course participants already have some previous solid knowledge in reactor physics or nuclear engineering.
The course nevertheless presents the derivation of all balance equations of importance from first principles. This allows the participants not familiar with reactor modelling to comprehend all concepts thoroughly.
Content
Weeks 1-2: Core concepts on transport phenomena in nuclear reactors (multi-physics/multi-scale aspects, neutron transport, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, modelling strategies, deterministic modelling)
Weeks 3-4: Core concepts in neutron transport and thermal-hydraulic calculations at the core level (angular and spatial discretization of the neutron transport equation, determination of the steady-state and non-steady state core-wise solution, space- and time-averaged conservation equations for flow transport, flow models, spatial and temporal discretization of flow models, modelling of heat conduction in solid structures, neutronic/thermal-hydraulic coupling – spatial and temporal coupling)
Weeks 5-6: Experiencing industrial deterministic core calculations (input deck preparation, code running, results interpretation)
Schedule
Week 1: Kick-off
October 9, 2026, 13:00 – 15:00 (CEST), Online, Zoom (also recorded)
Week 2: Wrap-up on transport phenomena + Q&A
October 15, 2026, 13:00 – 16:00 (CEST), Online, Zoom (also recorded)
Break to allow attending the course module “Deterministic modelling of nuclear fuel assemblies”
Week 3: Wrap-up on core calculations + Q&A
November 30, 2026, 13:00 – 16:00 (CET), Online, Zoom (also recorded)
Week 5: workshop on using a deterministic core physics code
December 7, 2026, 13:00 – 16:00 (CET), Online, Zoom (also recorded)
Week 6: workshop on using a deterministic core physics code
December 14, 2026, 13:00 – 16:00 (CET), Online, Zoom (also recorded)
Lecturer
Prof. Christophe Demazière, having more than 25 years of experience in nuclear reactor physics, dynamics and modelling
Other modules
This course module follows another course module:
Deterministic reactor modelling – Part I – Deterministic modelling of nuclear fuel assemblies
Another course module is also offered consecutively after this course module:
Deterministic reactor modelling – Part III – Deterministic multiphysics modelling hands-on
Filling in the application form does not guarantee that one will be allowed to participate to the course. The application will be reviewed and the applicant will be informed about either the acceptance or rejection of the application within two weeks after the closure of the application period on September 6th, 2026. This means that the applicants will be informed by September 21st, 2026, latest.
The registration is binding. If one is accepted to the course, one is expected to participate to it. The cancelation of participation will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances or for personal reasons (that will need to provided).