Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Nuclear Science and Engineering, 2008.Page 128 blank. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-52).A comprehensive risk-informed methodology for passive safety system design and performance assessment is presented and demonstrated on the Flexible Conversion Ratio Reactor (FCRR). First, the methodology provides a framework for risk-informed design decisions and as an example two design options for a decay heat removal system are assessed and quantitatively compared. Next, the reliability of the system is assessed by quantifying the uncertainties related to system performance and propagating these uncertainties through a response surface using Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, a sensitivity study is performed to measure the relative effects of each parameter and to identify ways to maintain, improve, and monitor system performance.by Christopher J. Fong.S.M
