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The Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC), founded in 1962 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is a specialized information analysis center under the auspices of the Office of Science and Technical Information within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). RSICC is the sole organization responsible for the distribution of the MCNP® Monte Carlo code that is a reference tool for testing and evaluating nuclear data libraries. MCNP® is one of the primary tools utilized by the Validation of Nuclear Data Libraries (VaNDal) subgroup under the Working Party on Evaluation and Cooperation (WPEC) of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Since 2010, RSICC has distributed over 23,000 copies of the MCNP® code to our Worldwide customer base. Over the past decade, RSICC has distributed over 1,000 copies of MCNP® annually to our customers located in the U.S. and abroad. Approximately 50% of the MNCP® software packages distributed have been provided to U.S. universities and sponsored organizations whereas over 27% of the packages have been provided to foreign organizations and over 22% to domestic organizations that are not supported by RSICC’s sponsors. While there is high demand for the code, the distribution of the code is restricted to only approved countries because the code is regulated by the U.S. DOE. This paper provides a general overview of RSICC’s activities, services, and systems; provides information regarding Federal export control regulations for codes such as MCNP®†; and provides recommendations for the control and use of RSICC.

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Nuclear Science Committee (NSC) established the Expert Group on Multi-physics Experimental Data, Benchmarks and Validation (EGMPEBV) in 2014 to bridge the gap between advanced, multi-physics simulation capabilities and the relatively low availability of dedicated, high-fidelity experimental data and benchmarks specifically for multi-physics modelling and simulation tools. The EGMPEBV was mandated to establish mechanisms for the certification of experimental data and benchmark models and to establish the processes and procedures for the validation of multi-physics modelling and simulation tools. The EGMPEBV oversees three task forces, covering (1) experimental data qualification and benchmark evaluation, (2) validation guidelines and needs and (3) example application of validation experiments. These have generated numerous reports surveying the state-of-the-art in multi-physics validation, challenge areas and recommendations for the evaluation of multi-physics benchmarks, while in parallel developing the specifications for multi-physics benchmarks. Three benchmark specifications are in active development, including a reactivity compensation scenario in the Rostov Unit 2 VVER-1000, multi-cycle depletion of the TVA Watts Bar Unit 1 and study of pellet cladding mechanical interaction within ramp tests performed at the Studsvik R2 reactor. We provide an overview of the recent progress in these areas and a summary of the future activities of the EGMPEBV in establishing international multi-physics benchmarks.

The Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is an information analysis center that collects, archives, evaluates, synthesizes and distributes information, data and codes that are used in various nuclear technology applications. RSICC retains more than 2,000 software packages that have been provided by code developers from various federal and international agencies. RSICC’s customers (scientists, engineers, and students from around the world) obtain access to such computing codes (source and/or executable versions) and processed nuclear data files to promote on-going research, to ensure nuclear and radiological safety, and to advance nuclear technology. The role of such information analysis centers is critical for supporting and sustaining nuclear education and training programs both domestically and internationally, as the majority of RSICC’s customers are students attending U.S. universities. Additionally, RSICC operates a secure CLOUD computing system to provide access to sensitive export-controlled modeling and simulation (M&S) tools that support both domestic and international activities. This presentation will provide a general review of RSICC’s activities, services, and systems that support knowledge management and education and training in the nuclear field.

The article focuses on St. Augustine's philosophy of education and its relevance for today. The author presents ideas formulated by St. Augustine about education and the theory of knowledge, with emphasis on the doctrine of "illumination." Augustinian concepts are explained: teaching (docere), teacher (magister), and attitude (studium). In addition, wisdom and "eloquence" (eloquentia) are identified as essential qualities in Augustinian education. The author disagrees with the view presented by John Dewey in "A Common Faith" whereby Christianity must be at odds with science. The author points out ideas shared by Augustine, Plato, and Dewey.