Reference neutron transport calculation note for Korea nuclear power plants with 3-loop PWR reactors

Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels are subjected to neutron irradiation at a temperature of about 290 deg C. This radiation exposure alters the mechanical properties, leading to a shift of the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature toward higher temperatures and to a diminution of the rupture energy as determined by Charpy V-notch tests. This radiation embrittlement is one of the important aging factors of nuclear power plants. U.S. NRC recommended the basic requirements for the determination of the pressure vessel fluence by regulatory guide DG-1025 in order to reduce the uncertainty in the determination of neutron fluence calculation and measurements. The determination of the pressure vessel fluence is based on both calculations and measurements. The fluence prediction is made with a calculation and the measurements are used to qualify the calculational methodology. Because of the importance and the difficulty of these calculations, the method's qualification by comparison to measurement must be made to ensure a reliable and accurate vessel fluence determination. This reference calculation note is to provide a series of forward and adjoint neutron transport calculations for use in the evaluation of neutron dosimetry from surveillance capsule irradiations at 3-loop PWR reactor as well as for use in the determination of the neutron exposure of the reactor vessel wall in accordance with U.S Regulatory Guide DG-1025 requirements. The calculations of the pressure vessel fluence consist of the following steps; (1) Determination of the geometrical and material input data, (2) Determination of the core neutron source, and (3) Propagation of the neutron fluence from the core to the vessel and into the cavity. (author). 12 tabs., 3 figs., 7 refs