AP1000® PWR startup core modeling and simulation with VERA-CS

F. Franceschini, A. T. Godfrey, S. Stimpson, T. Evans, B. Collins, J. C. Gehin, J. Turner, A. Graham, T. Downar

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

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes the application of the Core Simulator of the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications, VERA-CS, under development by the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of LWRs (CASL) to the core physics analysis of the AP1000® PWR. The AP1000 PWR features an advanced first core with radial and axial heterogeneities and at-power control rods insertion to perform the MSHIM™ advanced operational strategy. These advanced features make application of VERA-CS to the AP1000 PWR first core especially relevant to qualify VERA performance. This paper focuses on the qualification efforts at hot zero power conditions, where Monte-Carlo reference solutions have been established. The comparison of both global core parameters (e.g. critical boron concentration, rod worth and reactivity coefficients) and fine-mesh fission rate spatial distribution indicate excellent numerical agreement between VERA-CS and the Monte-Carlo predictions across the simulations performed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication5th Topical Meeting on Advances in Nuclear Fuel Management, ANFM 2015
Subtitle of host publicationAdvances in Nuclear Fuel Management V
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages241-252
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781510808034
StatePublished - 2015
Event5th Topical Meeting on Advances in Nuclear Fuel Management, ANFM 2015 - Hilton Head, United States
Duration: Mar 29 2015Apr 1 2015

Publication series

Name5th Topical Meeting on Advances in Nuclear Fuel Management, ANFM 2015: Advances in Nuclear Fuel Management V

Conference

Conference5th Topical Meeting on Advances in Nuclear Fuel Management, ANFM 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHilton Head
Period03/29/1504/1/15

Keywords

  • AP1000 PWR
  • KENO
  • MSHIM
  • VERA

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