NEAMS Program Introduction
Building on Success
Over the last decade, there has been a shift to a new way to scientifically
understand the behavior of very complex systems ranging from airplanes,
automobiles, medical devices and even nuclear weapons and astronomical
events. This shift has been caused by the introduction of advanced modeling
and simulation tools that has been enabled by increasingly powerful computing
platforms.
In particular, there have been two important programs within the Department of Energy that have created entirely new capabilities to scientifically understand the world. These programs are the nuclear weapons focused Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative (ASCI) and the Office of Science Scientific Discover through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) programs.
Attributes of Science Based Simulations
- Science (1st principles) based
- High dimensionality (3D)
- Ability to get detailed understanding in very hostile environment (i.e. operating reactors)
- Does not involve the use of hazardous materials
- Integrated systems
- Adequate modeling of space and time
- Appropriate verification, validation and uncertainty quantification
- Running on the world’s most powerful computing platforms using the best programming and results analysis tools
NEAMS Approach
- Builds on a robust experimental program for model development and V&V
- Provides appropriate flexibility so that the simulation tools are applicable to a variety of nuclear energy system options and fuel cycles
- Continuously deliver improved modeling and simulation capabilities relevant to existing and future nuclear systems (in the near, mid, and long term)
- Apply the best ideas through open competitive processes to address the challenges of achieving the vision
NEAMS Program Elements
Even though NEAMS will build on the success of ASCI and SciDAC, it will have to confront some very different challenges. These include the need for nuclear energy systems to be licensed by regulators and the challenges of moving advanced technologies our of the research environment and into the hands of the engineers who will design, build and operate the new nuclear energy systems. NEAMS will provide a comprehensive solution and is organized into the following five elements:
Integrated Performance and Safety Codes (IPSC) – End-toend codes to understand the detailed integrated performance of new nuclear systems including:
- Nuclear Fuels
- Reactor Core & Safety
- Separations and Safeguards
- Waste Forms and Near Field Repositories
Fundamental Methods and Models (FMM) – Smaller length scale material modeling work, and Atomistic-to- Continuum (AtC) multi-scale simulation
- Provide understanding and improved properties and models for integrated codes
- This element also identifies and drives small scale experimentation necessary to generate the data needed for physical and engineering models.
Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification (VU) – Develops methodologies to be used by IPSC and FMM program elements to create confidence that the simulation results are a reflection of nature and to quantify the uncertainties inherent in modeling and simulation. Also, serve as principal interface with the NRC and capture and preserve existing experimental data and interface with experimental program to obtain new data.
Capability Transfer (CT) – Success depends on use of capabilities by the nuclear energy industry and licensing bodies. Includes turning scientific codes into engineering tools to be used by industry. Also work to improving the "usability" of HPC codes and systems.
Enabling Computational Technologies (ECT) – An essential element of NEAMS is to ensure that the enabling technologies are available to make the first four program elements possible.