About the Project
Advanced Computational Simulations for Reactor Vessel Neutron Damage Analysis in Pressurized Water Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear power plants around the world are aging, and many are approaching the end of their design lifetime. To ensure the safe long-term operation of these plants — and even extend their lifespan — continuous monitoring of neutron exposure and evaluation of its effects on key reactor components is necessary, with the reactor vessel being the most critical.
The aim of the research project Advanced Computer Simulations for Reactor Vessel Neutron Damage analysis in Pressurized Water Reactors is to develop, validate, and apply advanced computational methods to assess neutron exposure of reactor vessels in pressurized water reactors. As an example of a typical pressurized water reactor, the project focuses on the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK). The reactor vessel is a key safety component whose mechanical properties degrade over time, primarily due to neutron irradiation.
The project involves the use of deterministic and Monte Carlo methods to simulate neutron transport. Special attention is given to the development of accurate geometric models of the NEK core, neutron source generation, and the use of these models to assess vessel exposure. Simulation verification is performed through comparison with dosimeter measurements within the neutron dosimetry system placed outside the reactor vessel (EVND) during NEK's 25th to 31st fuel cycles.
The project also analyzes physical parameters that limit the reactor vessel’s lifetime, such as neutron flux and fluence. The goal is to develop models for long-term exposure projections and define propagation factors for fluence estimation based on EVND measurements. The results support improved aging monitoring and forecasting of the reactor vessel’s condition in the future.
In addition to its scientific component, the project includes dissemination of results to the international and national expert communities, the development of national expertise, and preparation of a five-year research plan with guidelines for future neutron damage analyses in nuclear power plants.
Research project V2-2531, with price category B, is funded in the total amount of EUR 225,000.00, of which EUR 112,500.00 comes from the funds of the Slovenian Research Agency and EUR 112,500.00 from the funds of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning. The research project will be cofunded for a duration of 36 months, starting with 1. 9. 2025.
