Advanced multi-physics simulation for reactor safety in the framework of the NURESAFE project

Since some years, there is a worldwide trend to move towards “higher-fidelity” simulation techniques in reactor analysis. One of the main objectives of the research in this area is to enhance the prediction capability of the computations used for safety demonstration of the current LWR nuclear power plants through the dynamic 3D coupling of the codes simulating the different physics of the problem into a common multi-physic simulation scheme.
In this context, the NURESAFE European project aims at delivering to the European stakeholders an advanced and reliable software capacity usable for safety analysis needs of present and future LWR reactors and developing a high level of expertise in Europe in the proper use of the most recent simulation tools including uncertainty assessment to quantify the margins toward feared phenomena occurring during an accident. This software capacity is based on the NURESIM European simulation platform created during FP6 NURESIM project which includes advanced core physics, two-phase thermal-hydraulics, fuel modeling and multi-scale and multi-physics features together with sensitivity and uncertainty tools. These physics are fully integrated into the platform in order to provide a standardized state-of-the-art code system to support safety analysis of current and evolving LWRs.