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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Technical Session|Sponsored by RPD|Cosponsored by THD
Thursday, December 2, 2021|1:00–2:45PM EST |Columbia 1
Session Chairs:
Abdalla Abou-Jaoude
Massimiliano Fratoni
Session Organizer:
Student Assistant:
Youssef Abouhussien
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Overview of the Virtual Test Bed (VTB)
1:05–1:25PM EST
Abdalla Abou-Jaoude (INL), Derek Gaston (INL), Guillaume Giudicelli (INL), Bo Feng (ANL), Cody Permann (INL)
Paper
Coupled Griffin and Pronghorn Simulation of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor (MSFR) for the Virtual Test Bed
1:25–1:45PM EST
Ramiro Freile (INL), Sterling Harper (INL), Guillaume Giudicelli (INL), Abdalla Abou-Jaoude (INL)
Conjugate Heat Transfer Coupling of NekRS and MOOSE for Bypass Flow Modeling
1:45–2:05PM EST
April J. Novak (ANL), Dillon Shaver (ANL), Bo Feng (ANL)
Coupled Multiphysics Simulations of the Mk1-FHR in the Virtual Test Bed
2:05–2:25PM EST
Guillaume Giudicelli (INL), Abdalla Abou-Jaoude (INL), April J. Novak (ANL)
CFD Modeling of Molten Salt Fast Reactor Using Nek5000
2:25–2:45PM EST
Jun Fang (ANL), Dillon Shaver (ANL), Bo Feng (ANL)
