Research Areas and Applications

The center’s research program focuses on advancing nuclear technologies that can provide reliable, carbon-free energy for a wide range of applications. Through collaboration and innovation, CASMR supports breakthroughs that strengthen energy security, economic growth and sustainability.

Light Water Reactors

  • Gen-II and Gen-III/III+ reactor designs
  • Boiling and condensation
  • Light water reactor accident analysis
  • Light water reactor fuel bundles

 

Advanced Reactors

  • Liquid metal fast reactors
  • Gas-cooled fast reactors
  • Molten salt reactors
  • Small modular reactors
  • Micro modular reactors
  • Heat pipe reactors

Generation IV Reactors

  • Pebble bed and graphite block type reactor
  • Passive heat removal systems
  • Containment response
  • Natural circulation

 

State-of-the-Art Instrumentation

  • Optical fiber sensors
  • Thermal imaging
  • Laser-based flow visualization
  • Schlieren and shadowgraphy imaging
  • X-ray tomography
  • Chemical analyses
  • Gas composition

Other Applications

  • Heat and mass transfer
  • Single-phase and multiphase flows
  • Single-phase and two-phase jets
  • Supersonic jet
  • Integrated energy systems

Projects

The Center for Advanced Small Modular and Microreactors (CASMR) is dedicated to advancing nuclear technology by developing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions with a focus on safety and zero-carbon emissions.

THR Lab

The Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory (THRL) advances the frontier of nuclear engineering by conducting fundamental and applied research on multi-scale & multi-physics flow phenomena.

Accessibility improvements are in progress ahead of the April 2027 deadline. If you need immediate access, visit our Accommodations page.