Prerequisites
This course module requires to have previously attended the course modules:
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 five consecutive days, you will implement some of the main algorithms in a dedicated simulation environment. You will more specifically develop: a collision probability module, a multi-group diffusion-based core solver, a fluid dynamic solver using the Homogeneous Equilibrium Model, a pin temperature solver, a monolithic multiphysic wrapper. Examples will tackle both a Light Water Reactor system, and a Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor system.
The course module combines group discussions and quizzes on the previous course modules (“Deterministic modelling of nuclear fuel assemblies” and “Deterministic modelling of nuclear reactor cores”), and programming assignments using Matlab Grader (platform provided to you as part of the course).
After completing the course, you will be able to implement some of the main modelling strategies used for modelling nuclear fuel assemblies and cores in simulation environments.
Pricing
Free for students
For professionals from developed countries: 8200 SEK excl. VAT
For professionals from emerging countries: 1320 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
Days 1 and 2: transport phenomena and neutron transport at the cell and assembly levels
Day 3: Neutron transport at the core level
Day 4: Thermal-hydraulics
Day 5: Neutronic/thermal-hydraulic coupling
Schedule
Day 1: Wrap-up on transport phenomena and neutron transport at the cell and assembly levels + Q&A + programming assignment on pin cell calculations
January 11, 2027, 09:00 – 17:30 (CET), Onsite or online via Zoom (also recorded)
Day 2: Wrap-up on neutron transport at the cell and assembly levels + Q&A + programming assignment on pin cell calculations
January 12, 2027, 09:00 – 17:30 (CET), Onsite or online via Zoom (also recorded)
Day 3: Wrap-up on neutron transport at the core level + Q&A + programming assignment on core calculations
January 13, 2027, 09:00 – 17:30 (CET), Onsite or online via Zoom (also recorded)
Day 4: Wrap-up on thermal-hydraulics at the core level + Q&A + programming assignment on flow transport and pin temperature modelling
January 14, 2027, 09:00 – 17:30 (CET), Onsite or online via Zoom (also recorded)
Day 5: Wrap-up on neutronic/thermal-hydraulic coupling + Q&A + programming assignment on mutliphysic integrated solvers
January 15, 2027, 09:00 – 17:30 (CET), Onsite or online via Zoom (also recorded)
Lecturer
Prof. Christophe Demazière, having more than 25 years of experience in nuclear reactor physics, dynamics and modelling
By the end of this course module, you will be able to:
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).