Kurchatov Institute Develops Neural Network to Optimize Nuclear Safety
The technology could help prevent incidents at nuclear power plants.
Specialists at the National Research Centre «Kurchatov Institute» have developed a neural network that analyzes thermal-hydraulic parameters to model severe accidents at nuclear power plants. According to the developers, the task was particularly challenging: the model must accurately calculate changes in the neutron multiplication factor — a key parameter governing the chain reaction in uranium fission. This requires taking thousands of different parameters into account and substantial computing power.
The neural network can accumulate “experience” and use it to identify potentially hazardous nuclear states that might previously have been overlooked. This makes it possible to perform calculations more quickly and take the necessary measures to prevent incidents.
