Masters Theses

Abstract

“The focus of this thesis is the implementation of the finite element approximation within an existing nodal transport code. The nodal transport method allows the geometry of the reactor to be split up into regular bodies, such as boxes and hexagonal prisms, called nodes. Previous to this work, a single set of cross sections was obtained for each node by homogenizing the heterogeneous structure such that the reaction rates within the node were preserved. Unfortunately, the dependence of the flux on the heterogeneous structure was lost and the heterogeneous flux could only be approximated. For issues such as fuel cladding integrity, the accuracy of the heterogeneous flux is very important and any improvements in the calculated flux pose a significant advantage. The use of the finite element structure within the nodal transport method allows for the explicit treatment of the heterogeneous structure and thus no homogenization is required.

It will be shown that with the new method the heterogeneous flux can be accurately calculated, but it comes at some expense because of the high order angular approximation required. It is believed, however, that with the recent improvements in computer technology and the advantages that the nodal method offers, this new application will prove a viable method to solve reactor core problems”--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Tsoulfanidis, Nicholas

Committee Member(s)

Edwards, D. R.
Hale, Barbara N.

Department(s)

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Degree Name

M.S. in Nuclear Engineering

Comments

The author thanks the U.S. Department of Energy for their support under Contract No. W-31-109- ENG-38 and Contract No. DE-FG07-98ID13632, which funded this project.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2000

Pagination

viii, 63 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-62).

Rights

© 2000 Micheal Addison Smith, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7832

Print OCLC #

45892992

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

http://merlin.lib.umsystem.edu/record=b4510755~S5

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