Applications Based on Symmetry in Reactor Physics

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “Applications Based on Symmetry in Reactor Physics,” focuses on the role of symmetry principles in improving nuclear reactor analysis, design, and operational safety. Symmetry appears in reactor systems through geometric, algebraic, and dynamical forms, enabling the simplification of neutron transport calculations, enhancing numerical stability, and improving the predictability of reactor behavior. From symmetric core configurations and boundary conditions to symmetry breaking caused by perturbations or manufacturing tolerances, these concepts play a crucial role in both steady-state and transient reactor analyses.

We are pleased to welcome contributions on symmetry-informed reactor core and fuel assembly design, symmetry-based model reduction in multi-physics simulations, and the analysis of asymmetric effects on reactivity feedback, power distribution, and safety margins. Studies addressing how deviations from ideal symmetry influence reactor stability and control are also encouraged.

In the context of small modular reactors (SMRs), symmetry closely corresponds to inherent safety and simplified control system strategies. Symmetric core layouts, coolant flow paths, and control mechanisms contribute to optimizing power distribution, enhancing the negative reactivity feedback, and facilitating passive safety performance. Maintaining symmetry in SMR design further supports load-following capability and reduces control system complexity, which is essential for flexible deployment and long-term reliability.

Overall, this Special Issue highlights symmetry-driven approaches as effective tools for developing safer, more efficient, and resilient nuclear energy systems. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Reactor core design principles;
2. Core configuration and layout optimization;
3. Neutron transport modeling;
4. Effects of geometric deviations;
5. Fuel assembly design;
6. Multiphysics reactor simulation;
7. Reactivity feedback analysis;
8. Manufacturing tolerance effects;
9. SMR core design;
10. Passive safety features;
11. Reactor control strategies;
12. Transient and accident analysis.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Tiep
Prof. Dr. Hoai Nam Tran
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.