PARCS: Purdue advanced reactor core simulator

PARCS is a three-dimensional reactor core simulator that solves the steady-state and time-dependent neutron diffusion or SP₃ transport equations to predict the dynamic response of the reactor to reactivity perturbations such as control rod movements, boron concentration or changes in the temperature/fluid conditions in the reactor core. The code is applicable to both PWR and BWR cores loaded with either rectangular or hexagonal fuel assemblies. Multigroup diffusion or a SP₃ kernel can be used for the rectangular geometry option. The multigroup diffusion kernel is used for the hexagonal geometry option. Currently under development is a multigroup SP₃ capability method for cylindrical geometry. The PARCS code was chosen by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as its best estimate core neutronics code, and PARCS is coupled directly to the U.S. NRC thermal-hydraulics systems codes TRAC-M and RELAP5 using a message passing interface. The thermal-hydraulic solution is incorporated into PARCS as feedback into the few group cross sections. A depletion capability has also recently been added to PARCS that includes cross section interface capability to lattice physics codes such as HELIOS. The major features in PARCS include the ability to perform eigenvalue calculations, a transient (kinetics) calculation including decay heat and xenon and samarium treatment, the adjoint calculation and the depletion calculation. The primary use of PARCS involves a 3D calculation model for the realistic representation of the physical reactor. Numerous sophisticated spatial kinetics calculation methods have been incorporated into PARCS in order to accomplish the various tasks with high accuracy and efficiency