A Users Guide for Nuclear Power Validation and Verification Software Requirements

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A Users Guide for Nuclear Power Validation and Verification Software Requirements

John Jennings, Member, IEEE, and Brian Radibratovic, PhD

Abstract—Software validation and verification is a key requirement for Nuclear Power plant applications. This paper describes the standards used, auditing requirements, and engineering processes required to successfully implement a Validation & Verification program for software that can be used in nuclear power applications. Calculational requirements are identified and described on how to determine baseline calculations and requirements to prevent deviation from those values. Specific applications are identified for electrical system design software.

Index Terms--The following keywords and definitions are used throughout this paper and defined below:

1 Baseline program - program that has been formally reviewed and agreed upon, and that can only be changed through formal change control procedures.

2 Calculational Baseline – key calculational value(s) generated by a program that are tracked across all versions of the program. These key values are used for regression testing.

3 Configuration control - the process of identifying and defining the configuration items in a system, controlling the release and change of these items throughout the system life cycle, recording and reporting the status of configuration items and change requests.

4 Error* - a discrepancy between a computed, observed, or measured value, or condition, and the true, specified, or theoretically correct value or condition.

5 Program life cycle* - the period of time that starts when a software product is conceived, and ends when the software product is no longer available for routine use. The software life cycle typically includes a requirements phase, a design phase, an implementation phase, a test phase, an installation and checkout phase, an operation and maintenance phase, and sometimes a retirement phase.

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