Application of adaptive zoning to the finite element solution of the one-group diffusion equation in two dimensions

Author

Bryan Edward Audsley

Abstract

"The Brackbill-Saltzmann construct for improving the accuracy of nodal based solution methods through adaptive zoning, has been applied to the solution of the one-speed diffusion equation. The particular problem being solved is a finite element solution of the diffusion equation in a homogenous reactor. The mesh is established over a two-dimensional vertical cross section of the core, in which a "grey" control rod has been inserted. Adapted zoning is used to resolve the region of high flux gradient immediate to the control rod.

A computer program has been developed that first solves the finite elements equations for the given mapping, then solves the Brackbill-Saltzmann equations at each nodal point. The results of these computations are then used to move the nodal points toward the regions of high flux gradient. The process continues iteratively -- finite element method (FEM) then Brackbill-Saltzmann -- until a residual error defined for each nodal point is minimized. Several examples of dynamically adapted meshes will be presented along with a P3 numerical solution of the same problem generated by DOT IV"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Edwards, D. R.

Committee Member(s)

Tsoulfanidis, Nicholas
Rigler, A. K.

Department(s)

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Degree Name

M.S. in Nuclear Engineering

Comments

The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations for providing the financial support for this work.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Summer 1990

Pagination

vii, 49 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (page 21).

Rights

© 1990 Bryan Edward Audsley, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 6084

Print OCLC #

22871146

Recommended Citation

Audsley, Bryan Edward, "Application of adaptive zoning to the finite element solution of the one-group diffusion equation in two dimensions" (1990). Masters Theses. 908.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/908