Nuclear Energy and Genetic Algorithms

From UPI:

Designing complex systems such as nuclear reactors for use in space is a complex task, but U.S. scientists have made it easier using genetic algorithms.

The researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy`s Oak Ridge (Tenn.)National Laboratory use the genetic algorithm optimization tool -- a method similar to the natural selection process.

Nuclear Systems Integration Specialist Louis Qualls and colleagues can quickly perform searches of huge numbers of potential solutions to an engineering problem and rapidly identify the best options.

He said it takes months or years to perform all of the necessary calculations for some projects using traditional methods.

Thanks to IlliGAL Blogging for the pointer.

Technorati tags: Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Power, Electricity, Environment, Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Genetic Algorithims, Engineering