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CourseNuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies Applications open

Course in Thermal-Hydraulic Codes RELAP5/TRACE

300-hour online course in RELAP5/TRACE thermal-hydraulic codes. 6 modules covering NRC RG 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods), 10 CFR 50.46 (ECCS acceptance criteria) and RELAP5-3D. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the fundamentals of two-phase system thermal-hydraulics.

02

Build component models with RELAP5.

03

Develop equivalent models with TRACE and SNAP.

04

Produce the nodalisation of a complete nuclear power plant.

05

Simulate operational transients and design basis accidents.

06

Interpret results against regulatory acceptance criteria.

07

Write a technical report on thermal-hydraulic analysis.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Thermal-hydraulic analysis engineer who wants to specialise in thermal-hydraulic codes RELAP5/TRACE.
  • Transient safety analyst who wants to specialise in thermal-hydraulic codes RELAP5/TRACE.
  • Licensing engineer who wants to specialise in thermal-hydraulic codes RELAP5/TRACE.
  • System codes specialist who wants to specialise in thermal-hydraulic codes RELAP5/TRACE.
  • Operations support engineer who wants to specialise in thermal-hydraulic codes RELAP5/TRACE.
  • Nuclear thermal-hydraulics researcher who wants to specialise in thermal-hydraulic codes RELAP5/TRACE.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear power plants.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • NRC RG 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods)
  • 10 CFR 50.46 (ECCS acceptance criteria)
  • NUREG-0800, Chapter 15 (transient and accident analysis)
  • IAEA SSG-2 (deterministic safety analysis)
  • 10 CFR 50 Appendix K (ECCS evaluation models)
  • IAEA SSR-2/1 (safety of nuclear power plants: design)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Two-phase conservation equations
  2. 1.2Two-fluid model and six-equation model
  3. 1.3Flow regimes
  4. 1.4Constitutive closure relations
  5. 1.5Heat transfer and boiling crisis
  6. 1.6Critical flow and discharge
  7. 1.7Semi-implicit numerical methods
  8. 1.8History of RELAP5 and TRACE
  9. 1.9Alternative codes: CATHARE and ATHLET
  10. 1.10Workshop: flow regime in a heated channel
  1. 2.1Structure of the input file
  2. 2.2Volumes, junctions and pipes
  3. 2.3Components: pumps, valves and separators
  4. 2.4Heat structures
  5. 2.5Point reactor kinetics
  6. 2.6Control variables and trips
  7. 2.7Initial conditions and steady state
  8. 2.8Restart and output of results
  9. 2.9Interpreting common errors
  10. 2.10Practical: simple loop model in RELAP5
  1. 3.1Differences from RELAP5
  2. 3.23D VESSEL components
  3. 3.3SNAP graphical interface
  4. 3.4Converting RELAP5 inputs
  5. 3.5Vessel modelling
  6. 3.6Coupling with PARCS
  7. 3.7Physical model options
  8. 3.8Post-processing with AptPlot
  9. 3.9Time step control
  10. 3.10Laboratory: PWR vessel nodalisation in TRACE
  1. 4.1Nodalisation criteria
  2. 4.2Primary circuit of a PWR
  3. 4.3Steam generators
  4. 4.4Pressuriser and relief systems
  5. 4.5Emergency cooling systems
  6. 4.6Simplified secondary circuit
  7. 4.7Qualification of nodalisations
  8. 4.8Comparison with plant data
  9. 4.9Documentation best practice
  10. 4.10Case study: nodalisation of a three-loop PWR
  1. 5.1Small-break LOCA
  2. 5.2Large-break LOCA
  3. 5.3Loss of feedwater
  4. 5.4Loss of offsite power
  5. 5.5Steam generator tube rupture
  6. 5.6ATWS and transients without trip
  7. 5.7Validation with LOFT, LSTF and PKL
  8. 5.8User effect and sensitivity
  9. 5.910 CFR 50.46 requirements
  10. 5.10Case study: small break in the cold leg
  1. 6.1Definition of the transient
  2. 6.2Construction of the nodalisation
  3. 6.3Steady state
  4. 6.4Simulation of the base transient
  5. 6.5Sensitivities and variants
  6. 6.6Comparison with validation data
  7. 6.7Evaluation of acceptance criteria
  8. 6.8Model documentation
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RELAP5-3D, TRACE, SNAP, Python (matplotlib), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for nodalising a PWR plant, simulation of LOCA and operational transients, and validation against integral facilities. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Definition of the transient

Explain the fundamentals of two-phase system thermal-hydraulics.

Construction of the nodalisation

Build component models with RELAP5.

Steady state

Develop equivalent models with TRACE and SNAP.

Simulation of the base transient

Produce the nodalisation of a complete nuclear power plant.

Sensitivities and variants

Simulate operational transients and design basis accidents.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Thermal-hydraulic analysis engineerTransient safety analystLicensing engineerSystem codes specialistOperations support engineerNuclear thermal-hydraulics researcher
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with a full-time job.

You work with RELAP5-3D, TRACE, SNAP, Python (matplotlib). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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