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DOE OSTI · 3031286

Progress on the MARVEL Cybersecurity by Design Model-Based Systems Engineering Project

Abstract

Formal model-based systems engineering (MBSE) combines a model, systems thinking, and systems engineering to visually depict the boundaries, context, and behavior of interconnected systems, facilitating effective design, development, and utilization of engineered systems throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. Although nuclear reactor vendors employ these tools to integrate functionality, performance, and safety, they are not yet addressing digital risk concerns introduced by use of operational technology, such as digital instrumentation and control systems. To accomplish this objective, the Microreactor Applications Research Validation and EvaLuation (MARVEL) microreactor was used as an MBSE case study. This real-world application provides a first-of-a-kind opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of integrating digital risk and cybersecurity into the MBSE design process of a nuclear reactor. This paper provides an update of the ongoing MARVEL Cyber MBSE project as it specifically relates to the integration of digital risk management and cybersecurity by design.

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Eggers, Shannon Leigh [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000239040144), Hays, Ross D [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000184587539), Suyderhoud, Peter Anton [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0009000957296520), O'Rear, Kevin Marshall [Idaho National Laboratory]. 2025-06-18. Progress on the MARVEL Cybersecurity by Design Model-Based Systems Engineering Project. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3031286

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