Coupled probabilistic and point kinetics modelling of fast pulses in nuclear systems
File(s)
Accepted version
Published version
Author(s)
Cooling, CM
Williams, MMR
Eaton, MD
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This paper describes a probabilistic method of modelling point nuclear systems
with low numbers of neutrons including the effects of delayed neutron precursors and
its coupling with standard point kinetics equations. This coupling allows the simulation
of the non-deterministic progression of a system transitioning from subcritical to
supercritical and the resulting power peak. Through analysis of large numbers of realisations
various statistical parameters of such transients can be obtained. The method
of simulation presented here successfully replicates the survival and extinction probabilities
predicted by the Backwards Master Equation and experimental and analytic
results from the literature regarding the Godiva reactor and extends the examination
of that reactor. In particular the effect of delayed neutrons on the simulated response
of Godiva is highlighted. With its implementation in a parallel computer code, the
model is able to simulate at a reasonable speed a range of systems where low neutron
populations are important.
with low numbers of neutrons including the effects of delayed neutron precursors and
its coupling with standard point kinetics equations. This coupling allows the simulation
of the non-deterministic progression of a system transitioning from subcritical to
supercritical and the resulting power peak. Through analysis of large numbers of realisations
various statistical parameters of such transients can be obtained. The method
of simulation presented here successfully replicates the survival and extinction probabilities
predicted by the Backwards Master Equation and experimental and analytic
results from the literature regarding the Godiva reactor and extends the examination
of that reactor. In particular the effect of delayed neutrons on the simulated response
of Godiva is highlighted. With its implementation in a parallel computer code, the
model is able to simulate at a reasonable speed a range of systems where low neutron
populations are important.
Date Issued
2016-05-08
Date Acceptance
2016-04-22
Citation
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 2016, 94, pp.655-671
ISSN
1873-2100
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
655
End Page
671
Journal / Book Title
Annals of Nuclear Energy
Volume
94
Copyright Statement
© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Grant Number
EP/J002011/1
EP/K503733/1
Subjects
0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering
0299 Other Physical Sciences
Publication Status
Published