Neutron noise calculations using the Analytical Nodal Method and comparisons with analytical solutions

In this study, the neutron noise, i.e. the stationary fluctuations of the neutron flux around its mean value, is calculated in 2-group diffusion theory using the Analytical Nodal Method. A brief description of the calculation of the static flux is also included. The static solution is benchmarked against a reference solution in the case of a homogeneous core. The same calculational scheme for the neutron noise as for the static flux is used. As a dynamical benchmark, the calculated neutron noise for a 2D fully homogeneous reactor is compared with the analytical solution of a centered noise source at different frequencies. The numerical solution is also benchmarked to an off-centered source where the analytical solution is determined using the power reactor approximation, extended to two energy groups. The results of the benchmarks are that the numerical calculations using ANM accurately match the analytical solutions.