A one and two dimensional PCICE-based multi-physics algorithm for use in reactor core simulations

The current research in the field of reactor design investigates numerical tools which are spatially and temporally accurate with number of physical phenomena. The objective is, therefore, to simulate the thermal behavior of next generation reactors with a high level of detail. The simultaneous simulation of neutron transport, solid heat conduction and hydrodynamics can be obtained by applying the unifying principle of energy conservation. Following this principle, a one and two dimensions multi-physics algorithm is explored by expanding the PCICE solution algorithm for fluid flow. In one dimension, a variable area finite element method is developed and coupled to a quasi-one dimensional solid-state conduction and neutron transport solvers. In two dimensions, a finite volume formulation of the PCICE scheme is outlined. Moreover, the foundations for incorporating solid state heat transfer into the finite volume formulation are defined. Additionally, the coupling with the radiation transport code EVENT is also highlighted. Such methods will allow to model different physics of the same problem in a unified way with high accuracy. (authors)