Development of Computational Tools for Multiphysics Analysis of Small Modular Reactors

Canada is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are expected to play a crucial role in meeting this goal. SMRs are smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, which reduces their construction costs and make them a viable solution for deployment in distant regions of the country. Kinectrics, our partner organization in this project, has identified the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor design using spherical fuel elements as an attractive candidate due to its inherent safety features. However, Canada’s nuclear regulators require safety analyses that explore the robustness of these features for very low probability accidents. Hence, this research aims to develop and test new computational tools that will be needed for the operational and safety assessments of gas-cooled SMR designs. Kinectrics will benefit from the development of these new methods and their application to better understand gas-cooled SMR operation and safety.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Novog

Student:

Maria Adelfa Abreu Zamora;Javier Gonzalez Mantecon

Partner:

Kinectrics Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

McMaster University

Program: