Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Constant Support for Calculations of Thermal Neutron Reactors of the VVER Type

3/27/2026 2026 - #01 Current issues in nuclear energy

Kalugin M.A. Lazarenko A.P. Lizorkin M.P. Semchenkov Yu.M. Shkarovsky D.A.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.1.01

UDC: 621.039.51

The article discusses the constant support for neutron-physics calculations of VVER reactors, for which National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” serves as the scientific supervisor. It is shown that the functions of the scientific supervisor are implemented using certified software packages (KASKAD 2007, Hortitsa-M, etc.), which employ a two-level system for constant preparation. The key role is played by the spectral code TVS-M, which has been developed at NRC “Kurchatov Institute” for over 30 years. It is based on the RT physical model, utilizing the BNAB (epithermal region), LIPAR (resonance parameters), and TEPKON (thermal region) libraries. The program ensures high calculation speed (1-2 seconds per fuel assembly state) and the required accuracy. In conclusion, the necessity of a sectoral program “Nuclear Data” is substantiated to ensure national sovereignty. It is required to host evaluated nuclear data files and processing codes in open Russian repositories, as well as to ensure their continuous development, which is critically important for the design of advanced reactors.

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VVER neutron-physics calculation nuclear constants TVS-M code nuclear data libraries

Link for citing the article: Kalugin M.A., Lazarenko A.P., Lizorkin M.P., Semchenkov Yu.M., Shkarovsky D.A. Constant Support for Calculations of Thermal Neutron Reactors of the VVER Type. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2026, no. 1, pp. 6-15; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.1.01 (in Russian).

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