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

OECD/NEA benchmark for time-dependent neutron transport calculations without spatial homogenization

Hou, J., Ivanov, K. N., Boyarinov, V. F., & Fomichenko, P. A. (2017), Nuclear Engineering and Design, 317, 177-189.

Rod internal pressure distribution and uncertainty analysis using FRAPCON

Bratton, R. N., Jessee, M. A., Wieselquist, W. A., & Ivanov, K. N. (2017), Nuclear Technology, 197(1), 47-63.

Benchmarking the NEM real-time core model for VVER-1000 simulator application - asymmetric core

Georgieva, E., Dinkov, Y., Ivanov, K., & Stieglitz, R. (2016), (Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering, 2016, vol 5, ).

The IAEA coordinated research programme on HTGR uncertainty analysis: Phase I status and Ex. I-1 prismatic reference results

Bostelmann, F., Strydom, G., Reitsma, F., & Ivanov, K. (2016), Nuclear Engineering and Design, 306, 77-88.

Coupled MCNP6/CTF code: Development, testing, and application

Bennett, A., Avramova, M., & Ivanov, K. (2016), Annals of Nuclear Energy, 96, 1-11.

Advances in the Pennsylvania State University NEM code

Thompson, S. A., & Ivanov, K. N. (2016), Annals of Nuclear Energy, 94, 251-262.

Development of an iterative diffusion-transport method based on MICROX-2 cross section libraries

Hou, J., Choi, H., & Ivanov, K. (2015), Annals of Nuclear Energy, 77, 335-342.

Self-shielding models of MICROX-2 code: Review and updates

Hou, J., Choi, H., & Ivanov, K. (2014), Annals of Nuclear Energy, 64, 256-263 .

Assessment of MICROX-2 Code with new ENDF/B-VII.0 master library

Hou, J., Choi, H., & Ivanov, K. (2014), Nuclear Technology, 186(3), 305-316 .

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and NC State University (NCSU) for Dr. David Kropaczek 2016-2017 (FY17).

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(7/01/16 - 6/30/17)

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and NC State University (NCSU) for Dr. David Kropaczek 2016-2017 (FY17).

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 6/30/17

Abstract

Joint appointment as Dr. Kropaczek is considered NCSU employee with NCSU as the assigning party and ORNL CASL as the receiving party pursuant to Joint Faculty Agreement NO JFA-2001-2

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North Carolina State University’s Graduate Fellowship in Nuclear Engineering (NCSU–GFINE) - 2016

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission(7/01/16 - 6/30/20)

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North Carolina State University’s Graduate Fellowship in Nuclear Engineering (NCSU–GFINE) - 2016

Sponsor: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 6/30/20

Abstract

This proposal is a request for financial support for 2 graduate students 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 commitment by NCSU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and College of Engineering to the success of NCSU–GFINE is evidenced by a cost-sharing contribution.

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Research Activities in the field of development and coupling COBRA-TF code version for research and power reactors.

South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (NESCA)(1/01/16 - 5/31/17)

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Research Activities in the field of development and coupling COBRA-TF code version for research and power reactors.

Sponsor: South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (NESCA)

Start Date: 1/01/16

End Date: 5/31/17

Abstract

The Necsa has granted funds to to carry out research activities in the field of development and coupling COBRA-TF code version for research and power reactors. This grant will provide general support, guidance and training with regard to the establishment of an independent power reactor calculation capability at Necsa. The NCSU will continue to develop the COBRA-TF code system and shall provide Necsa with updates as available. This agreement then enables a cost free, non-commercial use of the multi-user license of COBRA-TF at Necsa.

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Participation in the MPEBV efforts with the NEA

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(2/10/16 - 9/30/17)

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Participation in the MPEBV efforts with the NEA

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 2/10/16

End Date: 9/30/17

Abstract

The work performed under this subcontract supports activities associated with the Expert Group on Multi-physics Experimental Data, Benchmarks and Validation (MPEBV) of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The work performed under this subcontract by Drs. Maria Avramova and Kostadin Ivanov will support the development of methodologies and guidelines for traditional and novel methods for validation of multi-physics modeling and simulation (M&S) tools. Drs. Avramova and Ivanov will be responsible for contributing to the NEA reports on the current status and expected needs for validation of multi-physics M&S tools as well as contributing to the NEA report on the frameworks for assessing the rigor and completeness of M&S tools for predictive applications. In addition, Drs. Avramova and Ivanov will lead the U.S. efforts to develop a work plan in cooperation with representative from the Russian Federation for evaluating the feasibility of application of validation methodologies to specific VVER reactor transients.

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NCSU Participation in IAEA Coordinated Research Program on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(12/01/15 - 9/30/17)

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NCSU Participation in IAEA Coordinated Research Program on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 12/01/15

End Date: 9/30/17

Abstract

The Technical Working Group on Gas Cooled Reactors (TWG GCR) recommended that the proposed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Coordinated Research Program (CRP) on the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling (UAM) be implemented in 2009. This CRP is dedicated to the uncertainty quantification of HTGR simulation and will assess the state-of-the-art in current HTGR simulation capabilities. The proposed technical approach is to establish and utilize a benchmark for uncertainty analysis in best-estimate coupled HTGR modelling and analysis, using as a basis a series of well-defined problems with complete sets of input specifications and as far as possible reference experimental data. The prismatic Modular High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (MHTGR-350) has been selected as reference reactor for the prismatic benchmark problem. The principal idea is to subdivide the coupled system calculation into several steps, each of which can contribute to the total uncertainty and to identify input, output, and assumptions for each step. The resulting uncertainty in each step will be calculated by taking into account all sources of uncertainties including propagating the related uncertainties from previous steps. The four phases are as follows: • Phase I (Local Standalone Modelling) • Phase II (Global Standalone Modelling) • Phase III (Design Calculations) • Phase IV (Safety Calculations)

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Three-dimensional fuel pin model validation by prediction of hydrogen distribution in cladding and comparison with experiment

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(12/01/15 - 2/04/17)

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Three-dimensional fuel pin model validation by prediction of hydrogen distribution in cladding and comparison with experiment

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 12/01/15

End Date: 2/04/17

Abstract

This project is aimed at using known hydrogen distributions in nuclear fuel cladding to validate high fidelity multi-physics calculations including the BISON code with a kernel informed by data from hydrogen experiments and PIE data. Objectives: • Validation of the NEAMS tool BISON for predicting fuel performance in a LWR environment; • Use of measured data for hydrogen distribution in the cladding in order to assess the predictions of temperature and hydrogen distributions by BISON; • Validating the 3-D fuel pin models and assessing the importance of high-fidelity multi-physics coupling; • Identification of both deficiencies in BISON fuel performance models (if any) as well as gaps in the experimental databases as areas needing further development.

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Joint Faculty Agreement (JFA)between UT-Battelle/ORNL and North Carolina State University for Dr. Robert Hayes.

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(11/02/15 - 9/30/17)

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Joint Faculty Agreement (JFA)between UT-Battelle/ORNL and North Carolina State University for Dr. Robert Hayes.

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 11/02/15

End Date: 9/30/17

Abstract

Professor Hayes will work with ORNL staff to identify promising new scientific areas for application to Nuclear Security and Technology problems and cooperatively develop joint NC State/ORNL proposals. Periodic efforts will be focused on opportune Calls for Proposals, but an ongoing effort will attend the development of joint research thrusts that build upon existing projects and capabilities. The development of strategic areas will be sustained by the participation of Professor Hayes’ postdocs and students in activities at ORNL, aligned with ORNL projects, and making use of unique facilities and capabilities at ORNL. It is expected that Professor Hayes’ group will explore some high-risk high-payoff research that aligns with the ORNL mission as part of this collaboration.

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and NC State University for Dr. Nam Dinh Spring 2013 semester (1/1/2013-6/30/2013)

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(2/01/13 - 6/30/17)

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and NC State University for Dr. Nam Dinh Spring 2013 semester (1/1/2013-6/30/2013)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 2/01/13

End Date: 6/30/17

Abstract

Joint appointment as Dr. Dinh is considered NCSU employee with NCSU as the assigning party and ORNL CASL as the receiving party pursuant to Joint Faculty Agreement NO JFA-2001-2.

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

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission(8/01/13 - 7/31/17)

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

Sponsor: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Start Date: 8/01/13

End Date: 7/31/17

Abstract

We propose to create and administer a financial aid mechanism for graduate students in nuclear engineering to be named the North Carolina State University?s Graduate Fellowship In Nuclear Engineering (NCSU?GFINE). The primary objective of NCSU?GFINE is to enhance the ability of NCSU?s Department of Nuclear Engineering to recruit and retain outstanding individuals and to provide incentive to the sponsored graduate students to maintain high academic performance. In addition, the selection formula will slightly favor minorities, women, and persons with disabilities in order to further promote diversity in the department?s graduate student population. Ultimately, the collective effort by US educational institutions to raise the admission standards and to diversify their graduate student populations, as proposed here for NCSU, will translate into a highly competent and diverse cadre of leaders for the nuclear engineering endeavor at large. The benefit to the nation from NCSU?GFINE is that it will contribute to the production of a highly competitive group of advanced-degree nuclear engineers capable of assuming leadership positions in their area of specialization within the field of nuclear engineering. The diverse profile of NCSU?GFINE fellows will be reflective of the US?s population and supportive of the nation?s goals of achieving social justice and economic equity for underprivileged groups. The so-developed workforce will be best positioned to lead the nation?s charge to reinvigorate its nuclear industry, and 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. The commitment by NCSU?s Department of Nuclear Engineering and College of Engineering to the success of NCSU?GFINE is evidenced by a cost-sharing contribution. The support of industry for the Department and its mission, and their interest in NCSU?GFINE is evidenced by their contribution to the cost-sharing arrangement.

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NC State University for Dr. Igor Bolotnov

Oak Ridge National Laboratories - UT-Battelle LLC(2/28/11 - 6/30/17)

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Joint Faculty Appointment Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NC State University for Dr. Igor Bolotnov

Sponsor: Oak Ridge National Laboratories - UT-Battelle LLC

Start Date: 2/28/11

End Date: 6/30/17

Abstract

Joint appointment as Dr. Bolotnov is considered NCSU employee with NCSU as the assigning party and ORNL CASLas the receiving party pursuant to Joint Faculty Agreement No JFA-2001-2.

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