Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a method of fuel bundle design, core design, or combined fuel and core design, to ensure Pellet Cladding Interaction (PCI) related fuel failures are mitigated. More specifically, example embodiments provide fuel and/or core designs that may be determined prior to operation of a nuclear power plant, or prior to production of fresh fuel bundles. The PCI optimized fuel/core designs may include some or all of seven PCI Evaluation Methods which may be incorporated into existing nuclear reactor simulation programs. PCI optimized fuel and/or core design enhances fuel reliability, allows faster beginning-of-cycle (BOC) startups and faster middle-of-cycle (MOC) sequence exchanges to maximize plant performance, and minimizes ramping restrictions, thereby maximizing nuclear power plant performance.