Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity analysis for Digital Twin Enabling Technology: Application for BISON Fuel Performance Code

Abstract

To understand the potential of intelligent confirmatory tools, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee (NRC) initiated a future-focused research project to assess the regulatory viability of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Digital Twins (DTs) for nuclear power applications. Advanced accident tolerant fuel (ATF) is one of the priority focus areas of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A DT framework can offer game-changing yet practical and informed solutions to the complex problem of qualifying advanced ATFs. Considering the regulatory standpoint of the modeling and simulation (M&S) aspect of DT, uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis are paramount to the DT framework's success in terms of multi-criteria and risk-informed decision-making. This chapter introduces the ML-based uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis methods while exhibiting actual applications to the finite element-based nuclear fuel performance code BISON.