Top 12 Nuclear Engineer Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the highly specialized and critical field of nuclear engineering, showcasing a strong set of skills on your resume can significantly elevate your career prospects. This article highlights the top 12 skills that employers value in a nuclear engineer, ensuring your application stands out in this competitive industry.
Nuclear Engineer Skills
- MATLAB
- AutoCAD
- Reactor Design
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP)
- SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation)
- Radiation Safety
- Nuclear Physics
- C++
- Python
- RELAP5 (Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program)
1. MATLAB
MATLAB is a high-level programming and numerical computing environment used by nuclear engineers for data analysis, simulation, and visualization of complex nuclear systems and processes.
Why It's Important
MATLAB is important for a Nuclear Engineer because it offers powerful computational and visualization capabilities, enabling the modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex nuclear systems, reactor design, radiation transport, and safety assessments efficiently and accurately.
How to Improve MATLAB Skills
Improving your MATLAB skills, especially as a Nuclear Engineer, involves a blend of enhancing your programming capabilities, understanding mathematical modeling, and integrating domain-specific knowledge. Here are concise steps with resources:
Master the Basics: Start with the fundamentals; ensure you're comfortable with MATLAB syntax and basic operations. MathWorks provides an excellent starting point.
Learn Mathematical Modeling: As a Nuclear Engineer, proficiency in modeling and simulation is crucial. Explore Simulink for graphical programming and model-based design.
Dive into Nuclear-Specific Applications: Understand how MATLAB can be applied to nuclear engineering problems, such as reactor physics, radiation transport, and safety analysis. The American Nuclear Society may provide resources and case studies.
Utilize Toolboxes: MATLAB offers specialized toolboxes for signal processing, optimization, statistics, and more. For nuclear applications, the Partial Differential Equation Toolbox might be particularly useful for modeling phenomena like neutron diffusion.
Join Communities: Engage with online forums and communities. MATLAB Central is a great place to ask questions, share code, and learn from peers.
Practice Regularly: Apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. Regular practice is key to solidifying your skills.
Stay Updated: MATLAB evolves, so keep abreast of the latest features and toolboxes by regularly visiting the MathWorks Blog.
By following these steps and leveraging the linked resources, you can significantly improve your MATLAB skills tailored to nuclear engineering applications.
How to Display MATLAB Skills on Your Resume
2. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, highly useful in nuclear engineering for designing complex systems, components, and structures involved in nuclear power plants and research facilities.
Why It's Important
AutoCAD is crucial for Nuclear Engineers as it enables precise design and modeling of nuclear facilities, components, and systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.
How to Improve AutoCAD Skills
Improving AutoCAD skills, especially for a Nuclear Engineer, involves a blend of mastering technical tools, understanding nuclear engineering principles, and continuous practice. Here’s a concise guide:
Master AutoCAD Fundamentals: Begin with AutoCAD's basic commands and functions. Autodesk’s official tutorials provide a solid foundation.
Learn Nuclear Engineering-Specific Applications: Understand how AutoCAD is applied in nuclear engineering for design and visualization. Explore resources like the American Nuclear Society for industry-specific insights.
Advance Your Skills with 3D Modeling: Nuclear projects often require 3D modeling. Improve your 3D AutoCAD skills through specialized tutorials.
Practice Regularly: Apply your skills to real-world nuclear engineering problems. Projects or case studies can be found through academic resources or on platforms like ResearchGate.
Stay Updated: AutoCAD and nuclear engineering fields evolve. Join forums like CADTutor to stay informed on the latest developments.
Seek Feedback: Share your work with peers or on platforms like LinkedIn for professional feedback and networking.
Utilize Add-ons and Plugins: Look for AutoCAD extensions specific to nuclear engineering. Autodesk’s App Store offers various plugins that can enhance productivity.
By integrating these steps, a Nuclear Engineer can significantly improve their AutoCAD skills, contributing to more efficient and innovative nuclear engineering solutions.
How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume
3. Reactor Design
Reactor design in nuclear engineering refers to the process of planning and constructing the physical structure and systems of a nuclear reactor. This includes selecting the reactor type, configuring the core, choosing materials, and implementing safety and control systems to sustain and manage the nuclear fission process for energy production or research purposes, while ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
Why It's Important
Reactor design is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable generation of nuclear energy, by optimizing fuel usage, managing heat transfer, and controlling nuclear reactions to prevent accidents while maximizing power output.
How to Improve Reactor Design Skills
Improving reactor design involves optimizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Here are key strategies:
Enhance Safety Features: Implement passive safety systems that rely on natural laws (gravity, natural convection) for cooling and emergency shutdown, reducing dependence on active components and human intervention.
Improve Fuel Efficiency: Use advanced nuclear fuels that offer higher burn-up rates and better tolerance to extreme conditions, reducing waste and enhancing reactor performance.
Incorporate Modular Design: Adopt small modular reactors (SMRs) that can be constructed off-site and assembled on-site, reducing construction times and costs.
Implement Advanced Coolants: Explore the use of supercritical fluids or molten salts as coolants to achieve higher thermal efficiencies and enable reactors to operate at higher temperatures.
Adopt Digital Twin Technology: Utilize digital twin technology to create virtual models of nuclear reactors for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and scenario simulation, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Focus on Sustainability: Design reactors to minimize nuclear waste through reprocessing and recycling strategies, and consider the long-term sustainability of fuel resources.
Improving reactor design is a multifaceted approach that integrates technological advancements, safety enhancements, and efficiency improvements, contributing to the sustainable and safe expansion of nuclear energy.
How to Display Reactor Design Skills on Your Resume
4. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics, in the context of nuclear engineering, is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy in nuclear systems. It governs the principles of energy conversion, reactor kinetics, and cooling mechanisms critical to the design, operation, and safety of nuclear reactors.
Why It's Important
Thermodynamics is crucial for Nuclear Engineers as it governs the principles of heat, energy, and work interactions, essential for designing efficient and safe nuclear reactors, managing reactor cooling systems, and optimizing the conversion of nuclear energy into electrical power.
How to Improve Thermodynamics Skills
Improving your understanding of thermodynamics, especially as a nuclear engineer, involves a focused approach on both theoretical concepts and practical applications specific to nuclear systems. Here are concise steps with resources:
Strengthen Fundamentals: Review the basic principles of thermodynamics focusing on the laws, key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and the thermodynamic cycles often used in nuclear engineering. MIT OpenCourseWare offers comprehensive materials on nuclear reactor engineering, including thermodynamics aspects.
Apply to Nuclear Contexts: Understand how thermodynamics principles apply to nuclear reactor operations, including heat transfer, reactor cooling, and thermodynamic efficiency. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission provides resources that explain nuclear reactors' operational aspects, including thermodynamic considerations.
Use Simulation Tools: Get hands-on experience with simulation software used in nuclear engineering for thermodynamic analysis. Tools like RELAP5-3D for reactor system thermal-hydraulic analysis can be insightful. Information and resources can be found through the Idaho National Laboratory.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Follow recent advancements and research in nuclear thermodynamics through journals and publications. Websites like ScienceDirect offer access to papers on nuclear engineering and design, including thermodynamics research.
Professional Development: Participate in workshops, online courses, and professional societies like the American Nuclear Society, which offers resources and networking opportunities for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in nuclear thermodynamics.
By integrating these approaches, you can enhance your proficiency in thermodynamics within the nuclear engineering field.
How to Display Thermodynamics Skills on Your Resume
5. Fluid Mechanics
Fluid mechanics is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of fluids (liquids, gases, and plasmas) and the forces on them. For a nuclear engineer, it is crucial in understanding coolant flow, heat transfer, and reactor safety systems.
Why It's Important
Fluid mechanics is crucial for a Nuclear Engineer because it governs the behavior of coolant flow in reactors, which is essential for heat transfer, reactor safety, and efficiency of the nuclear system.
How to Improve Fluid Mechanics Skills
To improve your understanding and skills in Fluid Mechanics as a Nuclear Engineer, follow these concise steps:
Strengthen Fundamentals: Start with the basics of fluid dynamics, including properties of fluids, fluid statics, and dynamics. MIT OpenCourseWare offers a comprehensive course, "Fluid Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean" (MIT OCW).
Apply Mathematics: Fluid Mechanics is deeply rooted in differential equations and linear algebra. Khan Academy provides resources to brush up on these mathematical concepts (Khan Academy - Differential Equations).
Simulation Software: Get hands-on experience with simulation software used in nuclear engineering for fluid flow analysis, such as ANSYS Fluent. ANSYS offers tutorials to help you get started (ANSYS Learning Hub).
Industry Standards and Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant industry standards and codes related to fluid mechanics in the nuclear field, such as those from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (ASME Codes & Standards).
Professional Development: Engage in professional societies like the American Nuclear Society (ANS), which offers resources and networking opportunities for nuclear engineers (American Nuclear Society).
Read Widely: Stay informed on the latest in fluid mechanics and nuclear engineering by reading journals and publications, such as the International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow (Elsevier).
Practical Experience: Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios through internships, projects, or research in the nuclear engineering field. Practical experience is invaluable for reinforcing theoretical concepts.
By following these steps and actively engaging with each resource, you can significantly improve your fluid mechanics skills and knowledge, enhancing your capabilities as a nuclear engineer.
How to Display Fluid Mechanics Skills on Your Resume
6. Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP)
Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) is a computer software used for simulating the interaction of radiation with matter. It employs Monte Carlo methods to model the transport of neutrons, photons, and electrons in 3D geometries, providing detailed information on radiation dose and energy distributions essential for nuclear engineering applications, including reactor design, radiation protection, and medical physics.
Why It's Important
Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) is crucial for Nuclear Engineers because it provides a highly versatile and accurate method for simulating the interaction of radiation with matter, facilitating the design, analysis, and optimization of nuclear systems and radiation detection with precision and confidence.
How to Improve Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Skills
Improving Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations involves several strategies aimed at enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and usability. Here are concise recommendations:
Optimize Geometry and Material Specifications: Ensure precise geometry modeling and accurate material specifications to reduce uncertainties. MCNP User's Manual provides guidance on defining complex geometries and materials accurately.
Variance Reduction Techniques: Implement variance reduction techniques such as importance sampling, weight windows, and biasing to reduce statistical errors and computation time. Variance Reduction Tutorial offers insights into these techniques.
Parallel Processing: Utilize parallel processing capabilities to distribute simulations over multiple processors or nodes, significantly reducing computation time. The MCNP User's Guide includes information on enabling and optimizing parallel runs.
Tally Convergence: Use tally convergence checks to assess the adequacy of the simulation length and ensure statistically significant results. The MCNP Tally Manual explains tally types and convergence.
Update and Validate: Regularly update the MCNP version to benefit from the latest features and fixes. Validate your simulations against experimental data or benchmarks to ensure accuracy. The International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments provides a comprehensive collection of benchmark experiments for validation.
Continuous Learning and Community Engagement: Stay informed about the latest developments and tips by participating in MCNP forums and workshops. The MCNP Forum is a valuable resource for discussions and updates.
By focusing on these areas, nuclear engineers can enhance their MCNP simulations, leading to more accurate and reliable results in their nuclear research and applications.
How to Display Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Skills on Your Resume
7. SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation)
SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation) is a comprehensive software package developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for nuclear engineers, designed to perform a wide range of nuclear safety analysis and design calculations, including reactor physics, radiation shielding, and radioactive material transport. It is extensively used in the licensing and regulatory evaluation of nuclear facilities.
Why It's Important
SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation) is important for Nuclear Engineers because it provides a comprehensive, validated toolkit for nuclear safety analysis and design, facilitating regulatory compliance and ensuring the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
How to Improve SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation) Skills
Improving SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation) involves both enhancing its computational efficiency and expanding its capabilities to cover a broader range of nuclear engineering applications. Here are concise strategies for nuclear engineers seeking to improve SCALE:
Optimization of Algorithms: Focus on optimizing existing computational algorithms for speed and accuracy. Incorporating advanced numerical methods can significantly reduce computation time and improve the precision of simulations. More on Numerical Methods.
Parallel Computing: Implement parallel computing techniques to allow SCALE to run intensive computations simultaneously across multiple processors. This approach can dramatically decrease simulation times for complex models. Introduction to Parallel Computing.
User Interface Improvement: Enhance the user interface to make it more intuitive and user-friendly. This includes streamlining the process for setting up simulations, interpreting results, and troubleshooting. Effective UI Design.
Expanding Libraries: Continuously update and expand the nuclear data libraries and material property databases within SCALE to reflect the latest research and experimental data. This ensures accuracy in simulations. Nuclear Data Services.
Incorporation of Machine Learning: Utilize machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes of simulations or to optimize parameters automatically. This can lead to more accurate and efficient problem-solving strategies. Machine Learning in Nuclear Engineering.
Collaborative Development: Encourage collaborative development and open-source contributions to the SCALE codebase. This can lead to innovative features and improvements driven by a diverse community of users. Open Source Guides.
Training and Documentation: Improve and update the training materials and documentation for SCALE. Providing clear, comprehensive guides and examples can help new users to effectively utilize the software and contribute to its development. Technical Documentation Best Practices.
Benchmarking and Validation: Regularly perform benchmarking and validation of SCALE against experimental results and other codes. This ensures the reliability and accuracy of the simulations. Benchmarking in Nuclear Engineering.
By focusing on these areas, nuclear engineers can significantly contribute to improving SCALE, making it a more powerful and user-friendly tool for nuclear research and safety analysis.
How to Display SCALE (Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation) Skills on Your Resume
8. Radiation Safety
Radiation safety in the context of a nuclear engineer involves implementing measures and protocols to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, ensuring safe operation of nuclear facilities, and managing radioactive materials responsibly.
Why It's Important
Radiation safety is crucial for a Nuclear Engineer to prevent harmful exposure to ionizing radiation, protecting human health, ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities, and preventing environmental contamination.
How to Improve Radiation Safety Skills
Improving radiation safety, especially for a Nuclear Engineer, involves adhering to the principles of time, distance, and shielding to minimize exposure. Here's a concise guide:
Reduce Time: Limit the amount of time spent near radioactive sources. Plan tasks to minimize exposure duration. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - Minimizing Exposure.
Increase Distance: Maximize distance from radiation sources using remote handling tools or procedures. Radiation intensity decreases sharply with distance, following the inverse square law. Health Physics Society - Distance and Shielding.
Enhance Shielding: Use appropriate shielding materials (lead, concrete, etc.) between personnel and radiation sources to absorb or deflect radiation. Material choice depends on radiation type. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Radiation Protection.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Utilize PPE like lead aprons, gloves, and dosimeters to protect against radiation and monitor exposure. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Radiation.
Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to established safety procedures, including regular safety drills and training. Stay updated with the latest guidelines from authoritative bodies. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - Radiation Protection and Safety.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Ensure radiation-producing equipment and safety devices are in good working order. NRC - Inspection and Maintenance.
By integrating these strategies, a Nuclear Engineer can significantly improve radiation safety in their working environment.
How to Display Radiation Safety Skills on Your Resume
9. Nuclear Physics
Nuclear physics is the branch of physics that studies the constituents (protons and neutrons) and interactions of atomic nuclei, focusing on understanding and harnessing the energy released from nuclear reactions, which is crucial for applications in nuclear power generation, medical diagnostics and treatments, and nuclear weapons development.
Why It's Important
Nuclear physics is crucial for a Nuclear Engineer because it provides the foundational understanding of atomic nuclei behavior, essential for designing and managing nuclear reactors, developing nuclear power as a sustainable energy source, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of nuclear systems and radiation applications in medicine and industry.
How to Improve Nuclear Physics Skills
Improving in Nuclear Physics as a Nuclear Engineer involves a combination of theoretical knowledge enhancement, practical skills development, and staying abreast of the latest research and technologies. Here's a concise guide:
Strengthen Fundamental Knowledge: Ensure a strong grasp of the basics of nuclear physics. Books like "Introductory Nuclear Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane provide a good foundation.
Specialize: Choose a specialization within nuclear engineering, such as reactor design, radiation safety, or nuclear materials. Specialization helps in gaining in-depth knowledge and skills.
Continuing Education: Engage in continuous learning through courses and certifications. Platforms like edX and Coursera offer courses related to nuclear science and engineering.
Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience through internships, laboratory work, and industry projects. Practical experience is crucial for understanding real-world applications.
Research and Development (R&D): Stay updated with the latest research by reading journals and attending conferences. Resources like the American Nuclear Society and IEEE Nuclear & Plasma Sciences Society provide access to cutting-edge research and networking opportunities.
Networking: Build a professional network by joining nuclear engineering societies and participating in forums and discussions. Networking can lead to collaborative opportunities and career advancement.
Innovation and Technology: Keep an eye on emerging technologies in the field, such as advanced reactor designs and nuclear fusion. Following resources like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can keep you informed.
Safety and Regulations Compliance: Understand the importance of nuclear safety and the regulatory environment. Familiarize yourself with guidelines from regulatory bodies like the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Ethics and Responsibility: Uphold high ethical standards and consider the environmental and societal impacts of nuclear technology.
By focusing on these areas, a nuclear engineer can significantly improve their expertise and contribute to advancements in the field of nuclear physics.
How to Display Nuclear Physics Skills on Your Resume
10. C++
C++ is a high-level programming language offering object-oriented, generic, and functional features, widely used in scientific computing and engineering applications, including nuclear engineering simulations, data analysis, and real-time system modeling.
Why It's Important
C++ is crucial for Nuclear Engineers due to its high performance in simulations and modeling of complex nuclear systems, allowing for detailed analysis and optimization of nuclear processes and safety protocols.
How to Improve C++ Skills
Improving your C++ skills, especially as a Nuclear Engineer, involves focusing on both foundational concepts and industry-specific applications. Here are concise steps to achieve that:
Master the Basics: Strengthen your understanding of C++ fundamentals, including syntax, data types, pointers, and object-oriented programming. C++ Documentation offers comprehensive insights.
Practice Coding: Regularly solve problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to enhance your problem-solving skills in C++.
Learn C++ Best Practices: Familiarize yourself with best practices and design patterns in C++. C++ Core Guidelines is a great resource.
Explore Scientific Libraries: For Nuclear Engineering applications, dive into scientific computing libraries such as Armadillo for linear algebra and ROOT for data analysis and visualization.
Contribute to Open Source Projects: Engage with the C++ community through open-source projects. GitHub offers a plethora of projects where you can contribute and learn. GitHub Explore is a good starting point.
Stay Updated and Network: Follow the latest trends in C++ and Nuclear Engineering by joining forums like Stack Overflow and attending conferences or webinars.
Educational Resources: Utilize online courses and tutorials. Pluralsight and Coursera provide in-depth learning materials catered to different expertise levels.
By following these steps and continuously applying your knowledge to real-world problems in Nuclear Engineering, you will significantly improve your C++ skills.
How to Display C++ Skills on Your Resume
11. Python
Python is a versatile, high-level programming language widely used in scientific computing, data analysis, and automation, valuable for nuclear engineering applications such as simulation, modeling of nuclear systems, and processing experimental data.
Why It's Important
Python is important for a Nuclear Engineer due to its powerful numerical and scientific computing capabilities, enabling efficient simulation, data analysis, and visualization of complex nuclear systems and processes.
How to Improve Python Skills
Improving your Python skills as a Nuclear Engineer involves focusing on numerical computing, data analysis, and simulation aspects relevant to your field. Here are concise steps with resources:
Master Core Python: Understand Python basics thoroughly. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python is a great starting point for practical Python applications.
Learn Scientific Computing: Dive into libraries like NumPy and SciPy for numerical computations. The SciPy Lecture Notes are an excellent resource.
Understand Data Analysis: Get comfortable with pandas for data manipulation and analysis. The pandas documentation provides comprehensive guidance.
Visualization: Master matplotlib and seaborn for data visualization. The Matplotlib tutorials and Seaborn guide are helpful.
Simulation and Modeling: Learn to use Python for simulation tasks relevant to nuclear engineering. The OpenMC project is an open-source simulation tool for nuclear science.
Parallel Computing: For large-scale simulations, understanding parallel computing with Python is essential. Investigate Dask for parallel computing in Python.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest in Python and nuclear engineering applications. Websites like Stack Overflow and GitHub are great for keeping up with new developments and community projects.
Practice Projects: Apply your skills to real-world problems or projects. Participate in open-source projects or tackle specific nuclear engineering challenges using Python.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your Python skills in a manner relevant to nuclear engineering.
How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume
12. RELAP5 (Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program)
RELAP5 is a computer simulation program used by nuclear engineers to analyze thermal-hydraulic transients in water-cooled nuclear reactors and associated systems, focusing on predicting the behavior during normal and accident conditions, including loss-of-coolant accidents.
Why It's Important
RELAP5 is crucial for nuclear engineers as it provides sophisticated simulation capabilities for analyzing the thermal-hydraulic behavior of nuclear reactors and associated systems under various operational conditions and potential accident scenarios, ensuring reactor safety and efficiency.
How to Improve RELAP5 (Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program) Skills
Improving RELAP5, a sophisticated software used for the simulation of thermal-hydraulic phenomena in nuclear reactors, involves a combination of updating physical models, enhancing computational performance, and ensuring user proficiency. Here's a concise guide:
Update Physical Models: Incorporate the latest research findings and experimental data to refine the constitutive models used for simulating fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and phase change phenomena. Engage with the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) for the latest in nuclear research.
Enhance Computational Performance: Optimize code to run efficiently on modern computing architectures. Consider parallel computing techniques to reduce simulation times, making the software more effective for real-time analysis. Explore resources at OpenMP for guidance on parallel programming.
Improve Usability and Accessibility: Update the user interface for better usability, and ensure comprehensive documentation and tutorials are available. Engage with user feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Training and Certification: Provide regular training sessions and certification programs for users to ensure they are up-to-date with the software capabilities and best practices. The American Nuclear Society (ANS) offers resources and courses that could be adapted for RELAP5 training.
Collaboration and Benchmarking: Collaborate with international nuclear research institutions and industry partners to benchmark RELAP5 against other codes and experimental data. This helps in identifying discrepancies and areas for improvement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) facilitates international cooperation and could serve as a platform for such activities.
By focusing on these areas, improvements in RELAP5 can lead to more accurate and efficient simulations, enhancing safety analysis and design optimization in the nuclear industry.