Evaluating the X2 initial core zero power physics tests with Serpent–Ants

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The validation of the Ants nodal neutronics code for VVER applications is started by modelling the zero power physics tests for the initial core of the Khmelnitsky 2 nuclear power plant as described in the X2 benchmark using the Serpent-Ants two step neutronics calculation chain. The Ants predictions compare favorably against an earlier continuous energy Monte Carlo reference solution as well as the measured data, except for discrepancies in the SCRAM worth between predicted and measured. Similar discrepancies have been previously reported for VVER-1000 reactors, and the Ants predicted SCRAM worths match well with the Serpent results. Additionally, the assembly power distribution and axial power distribution predicted by Ants for the critical HZP state of the reactor are also compared to a reference Serpent solution with very good results. Lastly, an investigation into the effects of the few-group structure used in the nodal calculations and the use or lack of leakage correction for group constants on the results shows that the best accuracy is reached with seven or eight energy groups without leakage correction, although a reasonable accuracy can also be obtained with two or three energy groups using fundamental mode leakage correction.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Conference on Physics of Reactors (PHYSOR 2022)
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society (ANS)
Pages1028-1037
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-89448-787-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
EventInternational Conference on Physics of Reactors (PHYSOR 2022)
- Pittsburgh, United States
Duration: 15 May 202220 May 2022
https://www.ans.org/pubs/proceedings/issue-3189/

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Physics of Reactors (PHYSOR 2022)
Abbreviated titlePHYSOR 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh
Period15/05/2220/05/22
Internet address

Funding

This work has received funding from the LONKERO project under the Finnish National Research Programme on Nuclear Power Plant Safety, SAFIR2022.

Keywords

  • group constants
  • nodal neutronics
  • VVER
  • validation

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