X-TREAM project: Tasks 2 (a+b) - Presentation of the chosen 0D tests cases and summary of the comparisons of non-linear inconsistent/consistent methods on 0D test cases

Report, 2015

The precise modeling of a nuclear reactor core is a challenge. This task involves several aspects, from the computational power needed to perform simulations, to the physics and analysis of the outcome. The need to better understand the physical phenomena (multiphysics coupling between neutronics and thermal-hydraulics) is critical in order to quantify and qualify nuclear safety parameters. Currently, substantial research has been done in order to optimize the prediction capabilities of coupled codes. In this report, selected 0D (point models) cases are presented in order to test multi-physics coupling strategies. These cases will give a consistent knowledge about the various algorithms and will help to identify their advantages/disadvantages. For this analysis, a MATLAB program was developed. In fact, the analysis of 0D cases is the first step to increase the complexity and dimensionality of the problem. In addition, modeling parameters, coupling strategies and set up of the tests cases are exposed. The results obtained with classical and innovative coupling schemes are analyzed. These results demonstrate the accuracy of the JFNK method, which agree considerably with fully implicit solutions. Parametric studies were performed with the objective of understanding the implemented nonlinear consistent schemes. All investigations aimed for the physical and numerical analysis of the reported test cases.