MULTI-PHYSICS TRANSIENT SIMULATIONS WITH TRIPOLI-4

• Published in: EPJ Web of conferences Vol. 247; p. 7019
• Main Authors: Faucher, Margaux, Mancusi, Davide, Zoia, Andrea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 01-01-2021
• Subjects: dynamic; monte carlo simulation; multi-physics; neutron transport; transients
• ISSN: 2100-014X; 2100-014X
• DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/202124707019

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.