Design of a code-agnostic driver application for high-fidelity coupled neutronics and thermal-hydraulic simulations

Paul K. Romano, Steven P. Hamilton, Ronald O. Rahaman, April Novak, Elia Merzari, Sterling M. Harper, Patrick C. Shriwise

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

While the literature has numerous examples of Monte Carlo and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupling, most are hard-wired codes intended primarily for research rather than as standalone, general-purpose codes. In this work, we describe an open source application, ENRICO, that allows coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic simulations between multiple codes that can be chosen at runtime (as opposed to a coupling between two specific codes). In particular, we outline the class hierarchy in ENRICO and show how it enables a clean separation between the logic and data required for a coupled simulation (which is agnostic to the individual solvers used) from the logic/data required for individual physics solvers. ENRICO also allows coupling between high-order (and generally computationally expensive) solvers to low-order “surrogate” solvers; for example, Nek5000 can be swapped out with a subchannel solver. ENRICO has been designed for use on distributed-memory computing environments. The transfer of solution fields between solvers is performed in memory rather than through file I/O. We describe the process topology among the different solvers and how it is leveraged to carry out solution transfers. We present results for a coupled simulation of a single light-water reactor fuel assembly using Monte Carlo neutron transport and CFD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on Physics of Reactors
Subtitle of host publicationTransition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020
EditorsMarat Margulis, Partrick Blaise
PublisherEDP Sciences - Web of Conferences
Pages1382-1394
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781713827245
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event2020 International Conference on Physics of Reactors: Transition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Duration: Mar 28 2020Apr 2 2020

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Physics of Reactors: Transition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020
Volume2020-March

Conference

Conference2020 International Conference on Physics of Reactors: Transition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityCambridge
Period3/28/204/2/20

Keywords

  • CFD
  • Monte Carlo
  • Multiphysics
  • Nuclear reactor
  • Open source

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiation

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