Programs/codes for criticality calculations

[vifteovn]

What programs model nuclear reactors and can determine if the reactor goes critical or not? It would be a big advantage if the given programs are open source as well, since the ones that cost money evidently cost a lot.

I might be able to get hold of SCALE 6.1, but that program/code would be locked to my insitution, and it would be nice to have a program that I could take home and work with.

 

[rmattila]

Serpent is available through NEA:

http://montecarlo.vtt.fi/

 

[raining Pete]

There are a few different programs that are commonly used for modeling nuclear reactors and determining criticality. Some of the most popular open source options include MCNP, Serpent, and OpenMC. These programs are all capable of simulating different types of reactors and analyzing criticality. They also have active user communities and plenty of online resources available for learning and troubleshooting.

If you are looking for a program that you can take home and work with, I would recommend checking out OpenMC. It is completely open source and can be easily downloaded and installed on your personal computer. It also has a user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced users.

Another option is to use a cloud-based simulation platform like SimScale. While it is not open source, it does offer a free community plan that allows you to run simulations and analyze results. This could be a good alternative if you are unable to access or afford other programs.

Overall, there are many options available for modeling nuclear reactors and determining criticality, and it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. I would suggest researching and experimenting with different programs to find the best fit for your project. Good luck!