Reflections on the Value of High Performance Computing and Multi-physics Simulations in Nuclear Materials Research

Speaker: Dr. Markus Piro (Ontario Tech U)

Abstract: Significant efforts have been dedicated to developing multi-scale multi-physics modelling and simulation
capabilities of nuclear fuel and material behaviour over the last decade. These efforts have been facilitated
by the increasing availability of affordable high performance computing facilities and financially supported by
some rather large funding programs, particularly in the US. A number of major developments have resulted
in the development of new software, new modelling capabilities, the coupling of different physical phenomena
that were previously disconnected, etc. I have been fortunate to participate in many of these activities while
also being challenged on their value. This talk is intended to share some personal reflections of multi-physics
research activities over the past decade in the area of nuclear fuel research in the context of their value to
industry, government, and academia.