Barcelona hosts the 2026 edition of the hands-on SMR modelling course TRACE/RELAP5/MARS-KS/ASYST/SPACE (6–10 July)

Designed for engineers, researchers and students working on thermal-hydraulics and nuclear safety, this course is strongly practice-oriented: the week is structured around building a complete, simplified SMR (iPWR) system-code model from scratch, following a realistic engineering workflow.

What the 2026 training covers

Throughout the week, participants progressively develop a full plant model step by step:

• Using open literature and publicly available design information to define modelling assumptions
• Core nodalization and verification, including initial checks and model consistency testing
• Progressive build-up of the primary and secondary systems until a complete integrated model is achieved
• Simulation of a Station Blackout (SBO) scenario and assessment of the plant response and required safety functions
• An introduction to severe accident basics and key phenomena using RELAP/SCDAPSIM

In parallel, the course emphasizes the physical phenomena and modelling choices that drive results, helping participants strengthen both technical capability and modelling judgement.

Learning format: hands-on, guided, and interactive

The agenda is built around practical exercises, supported by targeted theory sessions to frame concepts and decisions. Participants receive the necessary tools, design information and supporting materials, and work with continuous instructor guidance.

To ensure close support, the course maintains a high level of mentoring, with at least one instructor for every five participants.

Codes and requirements

Exercises can be completed using a range of widely used system thermal-hydraulic codes, including:

TRACE, RELAP5, MARS-KS, SPACE, RELAP/SCDAPSIM, and ASYST

Participants are expected to bring their own laptop with their preferred code-license installed.

Who should attend

This training is best suited to participants who already have some exposure to system codes and want to advance toward full-plant modelling, for example those who:

• can build simple models and want to scale up to an integrated plant model
• are comfortable modifying existing input decks
• need to analyze overall plant behaviour and transients with a system TH code
• want to improve skills in logic, controls, and modelling best practices

Venue and organizing institutions

The course takes place at ETSEIB-UPC (Barcelona), a location with convenient access to the city centre and the airport. The training is organized by ENSO together with the Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANT) group at UPC and Incheon National University, bringing together instructors with extensive experience in modelling, validation, scaling and deterministic safety analysis.

Practical information and registration

• Dates: 6–10 July 2026
• Location: UPC (ETSEIB), Barcelona, Spain
• Fee: €1,800 per participant (€1,500 for university students)
• Registration: send your request and registration form by email to info@ensobcn.com.  

Optional extension: participants may also extend the training with an additional week of tailored, instructor-supported work to deepen the skills acquired (details and pricing upon request/agreement).