Stability of simplified nuclear reactor models

The safe operation of a nuclear reactor requires the interplay of a large number of parameters and variables; accordingly, the models commonly used for this purpose are highly complex. For a global description of reactor behavior, simpler models also exist that are capable of capturing the essential features of the system using only a limited number of variables. Using such simplified models, we seek to address the question of whether operational transients, accident scenarios, or random perturbations can drive the system away from stable operation.

Publications related to this research:

• Stability analysis of a nonlinear coupled system of point-kinetics and thermal-hydraulics driven by non-analog Monte Carlo noise
  T.Z Hajas, G. Tolnai, Gy. Károlyi, D. Légrády
  Annals of Nuclear Energy 226 (2026) 111889