Abstract
In this work, we present the first dynamic calculations performed with the Monte Carlo neutron transport code TRIPOLI-4R with thermal-hydraulics feedback. For this purpose, the Monte Carlo code was extended for multi-physics capabilities and coupled to the thermal-hydraulics subchannel code SUBCHANFLOW. As a test case for the verification of transient simulation capabilities, a 3x3-assembly mini-core benchmark based on the TMI-1 reactor is considered with a pin-by-pin description. Two reactivity excursion scenarios initiated by control-rod movement are simulated starting from a critical state and compared to analogous simulations performed using the Serpent 2 Monte-Carlo code. The time evolution of the neutron power, fuel temperature, coolant temperature and coolant density are analysed to assess the multi-physics capabilities of TRIPOLI-4. The stabilizing e_ects of thermal-hydraulics on the neutron power appear to be well taken into account. The computational requirements for massively parallel calculations are also discussed.
Highlights
Multi-physics simulations of nuclear reactor cores involve the coupling of neutron transport to other disciplines, such as thermal-hydraulics or thermo-mechanics
The coupling was realized by developing a multi-physics interface for TRIPOLI-4, which makes it possible to perform criticality calculations with feedback [9] as well as time-dependent coupled calculations via the use of the kinetic transport methods that have been recently conceived in TRIPOLI-4 [10]
We present the TRIPOLI-4 multi-physics capabilities for the simulation of transients and we illustrate them with a few configurations that were benchmarked against similar Serpent 2 calculations [11]
Summary
Multi-physics simulations of nuclear reactor cores involve the coupling of neutron transport to other disciplines, such as thermal-hydraulics or thermo-mechanics. Such problems have mostly been analyzed using deterministic neutron-transport codes [1,2,3]. The goal is to provide reference solutions for neutron transport with multi-physics feedbacks. In this context, that we have implemented an external coupling scheme between the Monte Carlo code TRIPOLI-4 R [7] and the thermal-hydraulics subchannel code SUBCHANFLOW [8]. We present the TRIPOLI-4 multi-physics capabilities for the simulation of transients and we illustrate them with a few configurations that were benchmarked against similar Serpent 2 calculations [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
