Small modular reactors (SMRs) share many of the same nuclear design principles as
other reactor types, small and large, thermal and fast. In particular, integral pressurizedwater
reactors (iPWRs) build upon the extensive nuclear design experience of the
hundreds of larger pressurized-water reactors (PWRs) operating around the world
today. Nuclear design is the fundamental discipline that involves several major
criteria/objectives for the reactor core designer/vendor, including the following: