Simulation of the core configuration schemes for the AP1000 reactor by the Monte Carlo code

Abstract Background: AP1000, developed by the Westinghouse, is a pressurized water reactor with advanced passive safety systems. Two core fuel configuration schemes, D19 and Adv, are available for the AP1000. Purpose: This study aims to design a new core configuration scheme for AP1000, and compare it with D19 scheme by using Monte Carlo code Methods: First of all, a new core configuration scheme that combines the advantages of the D19 and Adv schemes was put forwarded. Then the D19 core scheme and the new core scheme were modeled by using the MCNP6 code. Finally, main nuclear design parameters of the new core scheme were calculated according to the varied fuel burnup. Results: The results indicate that the main physical parameters of the new scheme agree well with the AP1000 nuclear design criterion over the lifetime period of the first cycle.Conclusion: With the function of burnup calculation, Monte Carlo code MCNP6 play a good role in the reference process of core physical design by massively parallel computing. (authors)