Solution of multigroup transport equation in x-y-z geometry by the spherical harmonics method using finite Fourier transformation

A neutron multigroup transport equation in x-y-z geometry is solved by the spherical harmonics method using finite Fourier transformation. Using the first term of the Fourier series for the space variables of spherical harmonics moments, three-point finite difference like equations are derived for x-, y- and z-axis directions, which are more consistent and accurate than those derived using the usual finite difference approximation, and these equations are solved by the iteration method in each axis direction alternatively. A method to find an optimum acceleration factor for this inner iteration is described. It is shown in the numerical examples that the present method gives higher accuracy with less mesh points that the usual finite difference method. (author)