Integration of equivalence theory and ultra-fine-group slowing-down calculation for resonance self-shielding treatment in lattice physics code GALAXY

Abstract

A new hybrid resonance self-shielding treatment method in reactor physics field is developed by integrating equivalence theory and ultra-fine-group slowing-down calculation from the theoretical point of view. In the conventional equivalence theory, scattering source approximation and taking no account of resonance interference effect cause prediction error of effective cross-section. By reviewing the derivation scheme of neutron flux in the equivalence theory, the essence of the ultra-fine-group treatment is effectively incorporated. A new form of energy-dependent flux is based on multi-term rational equation, but the scattering source can be solved by the way similar to the slowing-down equation. The accurate non-fuel flux is also considered without direct heterogeneous calculation. The new method can also efficiently eliminate the multi-group condensation error by a semi-analytical reaction rate preservation scheme between ultra-fine and multi-group treatments. The present method is implemented in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. lattice physics code GALAXY. From comparisons of neutronics parameters between GALAXY and a continuous energy Monte-Carlo code, applicability of the new method for lattice physics calculations is confirmed. GALAXY achieves high accuracy with short computation time. Therefore, it can be efficiently applied to generation of the nuclear constants used in the nuclear design and safety analysis of commercial light water reactors.