Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) represents a new generation of capabilities that can be used by the nuclear industry to improve the operation of nuclear reactors. It provides high-fidelity, science-based simulation tools to address key challenges, enabling increased clean, safe and reliable generation of electricity. The numerical algorithms and design embodied in VERA, which won a 2016 R&D 100 award, and its components provide a foundation that advances the state of the art in nuclear simulation tools, able to take advantage of both current and future computational resources ranging from industry clusters to leadership-class supercomputers.
VERA’s user inter-face allows easy creation of complex models, making the use of high performance computing for engineering and design more available and usable. VERA has been proven in real-world applications through the simulation of Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, first reproducing 18 years of operation for the first unit, and currently modeling startup of the second unit.
Each year for more than 50 years, R&D Magazine has honored the 100 best innovations in research and development. We are currently accepting applications for the 2017 R&D 100 Awards. Innovators with an exceptional product developed between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 should apply. Submissions close April 14, 2017
For information on the 55th Annual R&D 100 Awards and to enter visit http://www.rd100conference.com