Comparison of interpolation methods for reconstructing pin-wise power distribution in hexagonal geometry

Various interpolation methods have been compared for reconstruction of LMR pin power distributions in hexagonal geometry. Interpolation functions are derived for several combinations of nodal quantities and various sets of basis functions, and tested against fine mesh calculations. The test results indicate that the interpolation functions based on the sixth degree polynomial are quite accurate, yielding maximum interpolation errors in power densities less than 0.5 %, and maximum reconstruction errors less than 2% for driver assemblies and less than 4 % for blanket assemblies. The main contribution to the total reconstruction error is made by the nodal solution errors and the corner point flux errors. For the polynomial interpolations, the basis monomial set needs to be selected such that the highest powers of x and y are as close as possible. It is also found that polynomials higher than the seventh degree are not adequate because of the oscillatory behavior. (author). 16 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs