Education

Research Description

Dr. Ivanov's research interests include nuclear reactor physics and multi-physics, nuclear core design and safety analysis, nuclear plant simulations, validation and verification of multi-physics calculations, and uncertainty quantification and propagation in modeling.

Publications

Propagation of VHTRC manufacturing uncertainties with RAVEN/PHISICS

Rouxelin, P., Alfonsi, A., Strydom, G., Avramova, M., & Ivanov, K. (2022), ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108667

Development and verification of a higher-order mathematical adjoint nodal diffusion solver

Altahhan, M. R., Geemert, R., Avramova, M., & Ivanov, K. (2021), ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108548

Evidence-based background for constrained uncertainty quantification in a core transient analysis

Ivanov, E., Sargeni, A., Ivanov, K., & Bruna, G. (2021), ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108606

Methodology for Discontinuity Factors Generation for Simplified P-3 Solver Based on Nodal Expansion Formulation

Xu, Y., Hou, J., & Ivanov, K. (2021), ENERGIES. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206478

Summary of comparative analysis and conclusions from OECD/NEA LWR-UAM benchmark Phase I

Delipei, G. K., Hou, J., Avramova, M., Rouxelin, P., & Ivanov, K. (2021), NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2021.111474

Energy group search engine based on surrogate models constructed with the RAVEN/NEWT/PHISICS sequence

Rouxelin, P., Alfonsi, A., Ivanov, K., & Strydom, G. (2020), NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN, 356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2019.110356

Quantification and propagation of neutronics uncertainties of the Kozloduy-6 VVER-1000 fuel assembly using SCALE 6.2.1 within the NEA/OECD benchmark for uncertainty analysis in modelling of LWRs

Nyalunga, G. P., Naicker, V. V., & Ivanov, K. (2019), ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY, 133, 732–749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2019.07.016

Selected papers from the 2018 Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty International Conference (BEPU 2018) Foreword

Petruzzi, A., Ivanov, K., & Ivanov, E. (2019), NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, Vol. 205, pp. III-IV. https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2019.1676080

Uncertainty Quantification and Propagation of Multiphysics Simulation of the Pressurized Water Reactor Core

Zeng, K., Hou, J., Ivanov, K., & Jessee, M. A. (2019), Nuclear Technology, 205(12), 1618–1637. https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2019.1580533

The IAEA CRP on HTGR uncertainties: Sensitivity study of PHISICS/RELAP5-3D MHTGR-350 core calculations using various SCALE/NEWT cross-section sets for Ex. II-1a

Rouxelin, P., Strydom, G., Alfonsi, A., & Ivanov, K. (2018), Nuclear Engineering and Design, 329, 156–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NUCENGDES.2017.12.008

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Grants

Joint Faculty Appointment between Battelle Energy Alliance and North Carolina State University for Dr. Benjamin Beeler

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/20/21 - 9/30/22)

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Joint Faculty Appointment between Battelle Energy Alliance and North Carolina State University for Dr. Benjamin Beeler

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/20/21

End Date: 9/30/22

Abstract

Joint Faculty Appointment with BEA

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Integral Benchmark Evaluation of Zero-Power Tests and Multi-Cycle Depletion Experimental Data of TVA WB1 Cycles 1-3

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/01/21 - 9/30/24)

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Integral Benchmark Evaluation of Zero-Power Tests and Multi-Cycle Depletion Experimental Data of TVA WB1 Cycles 1-3

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/01/21

End Date: 9/30/24

Abstract

This project proposes to develop an integral benchmark evaluation from available experimental data for zero-power tests and multi-cycle depletion for consistent and comprehensive validation of both novel high-fidelity and traditional multi-physics tools. The benchmark evaluation will be based on design, operational, and measured data from the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Watts Bar Unit 1 (WB1) released by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Initially this data was released for a series of benchmark progression problems developed by the Consortium for the Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Innovation Hub for Reactor Modeling and Simulation (M&S) focused on developing and applying the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) to improve the operation and safety of Light Water Reactors (LWRs).

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Nuclear Energy University Programs - Fellowship and Scholarship Support North Carolina State University

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(8/01/21 - 8/31/33)

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Nuclear Energy University Programs - Fellowship and Scholarship Support North Carolina State University

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 8/01/21

End Date: 8/31/33

Abstract

This proposal is a request to be eligible to participate in DOE's Fellowship and Scholarship Support program where NE eligible students can apply for scholarships and fellowships per the Funding Opportunity Announcement. This is up to a 10 year cooperative agreement program and may run up to 13 years to accredited US Colleges and Universities for the US Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy Fellowship and Scholarship Awards.  

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Development of Simulation Capabilities and Validation Basis to Support Evaluation of Advanced Nuclear Fuel Concepts

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/01/20 - 9/30/22)

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Development of Simulation Capabilities and Validation Basis to Support Evaluation of Advanced Nuclear Fuel Concepts

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/01/20

End Date: 9/30/22

Abstract

The proposed project aims to support the ongoing development of advanced nuclear fuel design concepts, including the Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF), HBU (High Burnup fuels), and High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), by extending selected computation tools, data, validation basis, and uncertainty analysis in the SCALE code system. These new fuel concepts have been proposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and nuclear industry aiming to improve the safety and economics of nuclear power. The work intends to: 1) improve the energy deposition model and data (nominal value and its uncertainties) to be used in the lattice physics calculation; 2) extend the stochastic sampling capabilities to perform the uncertainty analysis of heat generation distribution in space and its variations in time; 3) develop a sampling-based similarity (or representation) evaluation method to allow for the validation and uncertainty quantification using existing validation database. The deliverables include documented methodologies, augmented data file, updated computational modules in the SCALE package, as well as verification and validation results.

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) for Dr. Scott Palmtag for 2020-2021 (FY 21).

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(9/08/20 - 9/07/22)

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) for Dr. Scott Palmtag for 2020-2021 (FY 21).

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 9/08/20

End Date: 9/07/22

Abstract

This proposal is for a Joint Faculty Appointment (JFA) between ORNL and NCSU for Scott Palmtag.

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Input to the Preliminary PIRT report

US Dept. of Defense (DOD)(5/01/20 - 12/11/20)

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Input to the Preliminary PIRT report

Sponsor: US Dept. of Defense (DOD)

Start Date: 5/01/20

End Date: 12/11/20

Abstract

Input to the Preliminary PIRT report: meeting participation, design familiarization, identification, description and ranking of candidate limiting design-basis events with respect to phenomena, assessment and ranking of state of knowledge of identified phenomena

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Benchmark Evaluation of Transient Multi-Physics Experimental Data for Pellet Cladding Mechanical Interactions

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/01/20 - 9/30/23)

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Benchmark Evaluation of Transient Multi-Physics Experimental Data for Pellet Cladding Mechanical Interactions

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/01/20

End Date: 9/30/23

Abstract

The goal of the proposed project is to develop an integral benchmark evaluation based on available experimental data from cold ramp tests performed at the Studsvik testing R2 reactor. Such transient multi-physics benchmark evaluations are needed to support the U.S. DOE Nuclear Energy (NE) such as Fuel Cycle Technologies (FCT), LWR Sustainability (LWRS), and Advanced Modeling and Simulation (AMS) programs for validation of the NEAMS ToolKit and the VERA suite. Evaluation of transient multi-physics experimental data for LWR systems is a growing area of interest for U.S. DOE. Analyses of reactivity-initiated accidents such as design basis accidents as well as the slower and less severe anticipated operating occurrences (AOOs) are important in determining the overall safety of the current fleet and future nuclear power plants. Industry challenge problems, as the pellet cladding interaction (PCI) and the pellet cladding mechanical interaction (PCMI), are associated with those events. PCI and PCMI are based on multi-physics and multi-scale phenomena requiring accurate and realistic modeling and simulation. Three-dimensional fuel performance models coupled with reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics models are needed to assess the complex coupled physics and irregular geometries responsible for PCI/PCMI fuel failures. At present time, there is a need for adequate high-quality experimental data for PCI/PCMI industry challenge problems to properly validate both the existing multi-physics tools and as well as the high-fidelity multi-physics code systems being developed. The proposed project will address this need by evaluating test reactor data from controlled experimentation. The selected cold ramp tests were performed in 2005 and were experimental simulations of an uncontrolled withdrawal of a control rod group in a cold critical LWR which is a reactivity transient representative of AOOs. These special cold ramp tests were selected to: (1) develop a case problem based on measurements that involve two or more physical phenomena; and (2) investigate PCMI phenomenon in fuel rods. The selected dynamic/transient tests are multi-physics by nature: involve transient changes and interactions between reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and fuel performance. Multi-physics benchmark specifications will be developed to provide the data necessary to construct calculation models. The IRPhEP guidelines will be extended to make the evaluation process applicable for multi-physics transients. All available R2 reactor information, related to the initial conditions and transient tests, will be utilized. The information will constitute the Benchmark Experiment Data. This data will be subjected to Benchmark Evaluation Process. Based on the lessons learnt during the preparation of the benchmark specifications and its execution, a proposal for developing a multi-physics and transient evaluation protocol will be prepared using similar review pathway and similar evaluation format as the one established in IRPhEP: collecting benchmark experimental data, follow-up benchmark evaluation process, and peer review.

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Joint Appointment between Idaho National Laboratory and North Carolina State University for Dr. Benjamin Beeler

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(9/23/19 - 9/30/21)

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Joint Appointment between Idaho National Laboratory and North Carolina State University for Dr. Benjamin Beeler

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 9/23/19

End Date: 9/30/21

Abstract

Joint appointment as Dr. Benjamin Beeler is considered an NCSU employee with NCSU as the assigning party and INL as the receiving party pursuant to Joint Faculty Agreement Release no 6 Under blanket master agreement No 161615

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Advanced Nodal Codes Scientific Developments Regarding Efficiency and Numerical Stability Improvement, CNP Core Project #4

Consortium for Nuclear Power (CNP)(7/01/18 - 6/30/22)

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Advanced Nodal Codes Scientific Developments Regarding Efficiency and Numerical Stability Improvement, CNP Core Project #4

Sponsor: Consortium for Nuclear Power (CNP)

Start Date: 7/01/18

End Date: 6/30/22

Abstract

A number of GPT-related R&D-lines are being pursued currently, in which this project could be involved with mutual benefit between Framatome and NCSU. Consequently, this will also enable the derivation of interesting publications and the generation of a very PhD interesting dissertation in fulfillment of academic requirements for obtaining the PhD degree.

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North Carolina State University's Graduate Fellowship In Nuclear Engineering (NCSU-GFINE)– 2018

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission(8/30/19 - 8/29/23)

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North Carolina State University's Graduate Fellowship In Nuclear Engineering (NCSU-GFINE)– 2018

Sponsor: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Start Date: 8/30/19

End Date: 8/29/23

Abstract

This proposal is a request for financial support for two graduate students every year for four consecutive years in nuclear engineering through the North Carolina State University’s Graduate Fellowship in Nuclear Engineering (NCSU–GFINE) program that helps to develop a highly talented and competent workforce with post-baccalaureate education capable of leading the nation’s charge to reinvigorate its nuclear industry. Every attempt will be made during the recruitment and selection processes to ensure that the sponsored students reflect the diverse groups that make up our nation’s populace. Moreover, the high academic standards inherent to NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and the proposed selection formula will ensure the highest caliber of the sponsored fellows. These individuals will shepherd the design, construction, operation, and regulation of new and innovative nuclear facilities, while maintaining the safety and security of processes for the handling of requisite nuclear materials in the coming decades, a period crucial for the revamping of an industry that has fallen to neglect. Upon graduation, the sponsored fellows will be contractually required to complete nuclear-related employment at the rate of six months per year of NCSU–GFINE sponsorship. The support of industry for the Department and its mission, and their interest in NCSU–GFINE is evidenced by hiring of our graduates.

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