A multi-physics solver for liquid-fueled fast systems based on the discontinuous Galerkin FEM discretization

Performing accurate numerical simulations of molten salt reactors is challenging, especially in case of fast-spectrum designs, due to the unique physics phenomena characterizing these systems. The limitations of codes traditionally used in the nuclear community often require the development of novel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in nuclear energy (New series) 2020-09, Vol.127, p.103427, Article 103427
Main Authors: Tiberga, Marco, Lathouwers, Danny, Kloosterman, Jan Leen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer simulation
Coupling scheme
Discontinuous Galerkin FEM
Discretization
Finite element analysis
Finite element method
Galerkin method
Incompressible RANS
Molten salt fast nuclear reactors
Molten salt nuclear reactors
Multi-physics modeling
Nuclear reactors
Numerical analysis
Physics
SN transport
Steady state
Transient analysis
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Summary:Performing accurate numerical simulations of molten salt reactors is challenging, especially in case of fast-spectrum designs, due to the unique physics phenomena characterizing these systems. The limitations of codes traditionally used in the nuclear community often require the development of novel high-fidelity multi-physics tools to advance the design of these innovative reactors. In this work, we present the most recent code developed at Delft University of Technology for multi-physics simulations of liquid-fueled fast reactors. The coupling is realized between an incompressible RANS model and an SN neutron transport solver. The models are implemented in two in-house codes, based on the discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element discretization, which guarantees high-quality of the solution. We report and discuss the results of preliminary simulations of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor at steady-state and during a Total Loss of Power transient. Results prove our code has capabilities for steady-state and transient analysis of non-moderated liquid-fueled reactors. •Novel multi-physics code for the analysis of liquid-fueled fast reactors.•Coupling between thermal-hydraulics (incompressible RANS) and neutronics (SN transport) models.•Discontinuous Galerkin FEM discretization for space and second-order BDF scheme in time.•Capabilities for 3D, full-core calculations.•Preliminary analysis of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor behavior at steady-state and during a Total Loss of Power transient.
ISSN:0149-1970
1878-4224
DOI:10.1016/j.pnucene.2020.103427