Computational Methods for Reactor Physics (Core Simulation)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on computational methods for reactor physics, specifically addressing neutronics and core simulation techniques. Reactor physics calculations involve solving complex equations related to neutron transport or diffusion, often represented by coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. Different methods, such as Monte Carlo (MC) and Sn methods, have specific applications, with deterministic methods being more suitable for depletion calculations. The choice of method is highly dependent on the specific application requirements. Additional resources and links were provided for further exploration of these computational techniques.
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
22,340
Reaction score
7,138
The question of neutronics or reactor physics methods has come up at various times and with respect to different aspects. I thought it would be worthwhile to explore various methods, the technology and their applications.

Broadly, reactor physics calculations involve solving equations related to neutron transport or diffusion in the complex reactor geometry. The calculations are represented by a system of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations, and particularly partial integro-differential equations (or integro-partial-differential equations).

Some methods, e.g., MC or Sn methods are only appropriate for limited applications such as criticality or a time-specific statepoint in a calculation. For depletion calculations, deterministic methods are more appropriate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_transport
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_characteristics
MIT's OpenMOC Method of Characteristics Code should be of interest - https://mit-crpg.github.io/OpenMOC/

The choice of method depends on application.

I've posted some links to get started, but I plan to elaborate more on the subject.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
hello
I wanted RSICC COMPUTER CODE COLLECTION WIMS-D5
can anyone help me?
thanks a lot
and sorry for interrupt.
 
RSICC codes can be obtained by eligible individuals from the RSICC website: https://rsicc.ornl.gov/
 
Hello everyone, I am currently working on a burnup calculation for a fuel assembly with repeated geometric structures using MCNP6. I have defined two materials (Material 1 and Material 2) which are actually the same material but located in different positions. However, after running the calculation with the BURN card, I am encountering an issue where all burnup information(power fraction(Initial input is 1,but output file is 0), burnup, mass, etc.) for Material 2 is zero, while Material 1...
Hi everyone, I'm a complete beginner with MCNP and trying to learn how to perform burnup calculations. Right now, I'm feeling a bit lost and not sure where to start. I found the OECD-NEA Burnup Credit Calculational Criticality Benchmark (Phase I-B) and was wondering if anyone has worked through this specific benchmark using MCNP6? If so, would you be willing to share your MCNP input file for it? Seeing an actual working example would be incredibly helpful for my learning. I'd be really...
Back
Top