Tool Developments in the OpenMC Code: Correlated Sampling and Transient Fission Matrix Approach Coupled to OpenFOAM

Abstract

This article outlines the advancements made in broadening the application scope of the OpenMC neutron transport code to include thermohydraulic coupling and nuclear data uncertainty propagation. These developments primarily involve the incorporation of the correlated sampling (CS) technique, facilitating the propagation of thermal feedback or cross-section sampling on neutronic calculations through neutron weight adjustments. The CS technique is integrated with computer-aided-design (CAD)–based meshing and the Transient Fission Matrix (TFM) approach. Together, these components enable comprehensive handling of neutronics-thermohydraulic coupling: The TFM approach addresses neutron kinetics via precalculated neutron transport matrices, the CS technique accounts for thermal feedback impacts on the matrices, and CAD meshing defines volumes corresponding to each matrix bin to align results with computational fluid dynamics codes, specifically OpenFOAM. Implementation details and verification procedures are elaborated, alongside an analysis on existing limitations and possible perspectives.