# Optimization through In-Context Learning and Iterative LLM Prompting for Nuclear Engineering Design Problems

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.19620 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.19620/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 6 of its 11 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 25 Mar 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [Chain-of-Thought Prompting Elicits Reasoning in Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.11903/) (2022)
- [Self-Consistency Improves Chain of Thought Reasoning in Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.11171/) (2022)
- [Large Language Models as Optimizers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.03409/) (2023)
- [Large Language Models: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.06196/) (2024)
- [NukeBERT: A Pre-trained language model for Low Resource Nuclear Domain](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2003.13821/) (2020)
- [NukeLM: Pre-Trained and Fine-Tuned Language Models for the Nuclear and Energy Domains](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2105.12192/) (2021)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [LLMize: A Framework for Large Language Model-Based Numerical Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.00874/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The optimization of nuclear engineering designs, such as nuclear fuel assembly configurations, involves managing competing objectives like reactivity control and power distribution. This study explores the use of Optimization by Prompting, an iterative approach utilizing large language models (LLMs), to address these challenges. The method is straightforward to implement, requiring no hyperparameter tuning or complex mathematical formulations. Optimization problems can be described in plain English, with only an evaluator and a parsing script needed for execution. The in-context learning capabilities of LLMs enable them to understand problem nuances, therefore, they have the potential to surpass traditional metaheuristic optimization methods. This study demonstrates the application of LLMs as optimizers to Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) fuel lattice design, showing the capability of commercial LLMs to achieve superior optimization results compared to traditional methods.