Analysis of the VERA problem #2 using the cell-code Condor

Abstract

Condor is a modern and versatile code that applies multi-group collision probabilities with heterogeneous response coupling to solve cell-level neutronic calculations. Its suitability to handle realistic PWR calculations is in this work analyzed using the VERA numerical benchmark problem #2. It consists of a series of two-dimensional lattices representative of a modern PWR, aimed to address the code’s capabilities to capture the spatial and spectral distributions. Results using Condor v2.8.05b code are obtained and compared with reference values in terms of system reactivities and power distributions. Further investigations are also provided, such as the impact of diverse Nuclear Data Libraries, the use of problem’s symmetries and the effect of integration and inter-cell coupling parameters. Moreover, comparisons with analogous models using Serpent v2.1.32 Monte Carlo particle transport code are also included, which allows to contrast both the computational performance and the overall accuracy of the Condor code.