Advancements in Nuclear Reactor Design: Charting Future Directions

Since the first nuclear reactor was constructed in 1942, the field of nuclear engineering has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in reactor technology. The development of Generation III+ reactor systems, such as the AP 1000 and HPR 1000, marked a notable milestone in this journey. With the proposal of Generation IV reactor systems in 2002, research and development has prioritized six advanced reactor designs, with Generation IV+ systems being proposed more recently.

Despite great advancements, numerous challenges persist, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of current technologies and a strategic roadmap for future research. Addressing challenges is crucial for the sustainable development of nuclear reactors, and there is a pressing need for expert insights to guide this evolution.

This Research Topic is focused on showcasing recent advances in nuclear reactor design. By bringing together multidisciplinary experts, the collection seeks to reflect on historical advancements, highlight novel outcomes, and chart future directions. The goal is to stimulate discussion and foster collaborations, by providing a platform for presenting viewpoints, interpretations, and novel hypotheses that can drive the field forward.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Advanced nuclear reactor design
• Nuclear reactor safety
• Reactor thermal hydraulics, physics, and radiation transport
• Structural plant design
• Nuclear fuels research
• Nuclear codes and standards.

Keywords: Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design, Structural Plant Design, Reactor Control, Reactor Simulation, Thermal Hydraulics, Reactor Physics and Radiation Transport, Nuclear Codes and Standards, Nuclear Fuels, Nuclear Reactor Safety

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.