Multiphysics Methods Group
Encyclopedia
The Multiphysics Methods Group (MMG) is a program at Idaho National Laboratory
(under the U.S. Department of Energy) begun in 2004. It uses modeling software to simulate complex physical and chemical reactions
inside nuclear reactor
s. The ultimate goal of the program is to use these simulation tools to enable more efficient use of nuclear fuel
, resulting in lower electricity costs and less waste products
.
However, INL's Multiphysics Methods Group is not the only group involved in advancing this field of study. At Los Alamos National Laboratory
, similar technology and efforts are being used in applications such as modeling ocean circulation and even in better understanding the internal combustion engine.
It is also an important effort in better understanding and improving the abilities of computer modeling software that is used to predict this sort of degradation. The group states three main objectives: "The mission of the MMG is to support the INL goal to advance the U.S. nuclear energy endeavor by:
The work done by the group directly supports programs such as the Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program
's research into advanced nuclear fuel
s.
Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory is an complex located in the high desert of eastern Idaho, between the town of Arco to the west and the cities of Idaho Falls and Blackfoot to the east. It lies within Butte, Bingham, Bonneville and Jefferson counties...
(under the U.S. Department of Energy) begun in 2004. It uses modeling software to simulate complex physical and chemical reactions
Nuclear chemistry
Nuclear chemistry is the subfield of chemistry dealing with radioactivity, nuclear processes and nuclear properties.It is the chemistry of radioactive elements such as the actinides, radium and radon together with the chemistry associated with equipment which are designed to perform nuclear...
inside nuclear reactor
Nuclear reactor
A nuclear reactor is a device to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Most commonly they are used for generating electricity and for the propulsion of ships. Usually heat from nuclear fission is passed to a working fluid , which runs through turbines that power either ship's...
s. The ultimate goal of the program is to use these simulation tools to enable more efficient use of nuclear fuel
Nuclear fuel
Nuclear fuel is a material that can be 'consumed' by fission or fusion to derive nuclear energy. Nuclear fuels are the most dense sources of energy available...
, resulting in lower electricity costs and less waste products
Radioactive waste
Radioactive wastes are wastes that contain radioactive material. Radioactive wastes are usually by-products of nuclear power generation and other applications of nuclear fission or nuclear technology, such as research and medicine...
.
Members
The MMG is made up of 11 members, and is led by Glen Hansen. It coordinates efforts with other specialists in academia and industry.However, INL's Multiphysics Methods Group is not the only group involved in advancing this field of study. At Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory, managed and operated by Los Alamos National Security , located in Los Alamos, New Mexico...
, similar technology and efforts are being used in applications such as modeling ocean circulation and even in better understanding the internal combustion engine.
Areas of study
The MMG focuses on problems within nuclear reactors related to its fuel and how heat is transferred inside the reactor. "Fuel degradation" refers to how uranium pellets and the rods they are encased in (several rods bundled together is what makes a "fuel assembly") eventually wear out over time due to high heat and irradiation inside a reactor.It is also an important effort in better understanding and improving the abilities of computer modeling software that is used to predict this sort of degradation. The group states three main objectives: "The mission of the MMG is to support the INL goal to advance the U.S. nuclear energy endeavor by:
- Furthering the state of computational nuclear engineering
- Developing a robust technical basis in multidimensional multiphysics analysis methods
- Developing the next generation of reactor simulation codes and tools"
The work done by the group directly supports programs such as the Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program
Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program
The Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program is a U.S. government research and development program. It is directed by the United States Department of Energy and is aimed at performing research and compiling data necessary to qualify for licenses to extend the life of America's current 104...
's research into advanced nuclear fuel
Nuclear fuel
Nuclear fuel is a material that can be 'consumed' by fission or fusion to derive nuclear energy. Nuclear fuels are the most dense sources of energy available...
s.