Date of Award
3-21-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Engineering Physics
First Advisor
Kirk A. Mathews, PhD.
Abstract
A robust method of solving the reactor point kinetic equations was designed using exponential moment methods. Although the method requires a relatively large number of calculations to complete, the accuracy ensured by each individual step calculation allows larger time steps to be used. The algorithm designed was verified to converge to the correct value as step size was reduced. Additionally, the algorithm can take steps much larger than the average neutron lifetime while maintaining some precision. An error control scheme was designed based on changes observed in the results as a function of time step size. The error control adaptively approaches optimal step sizes within a factor of two for given tolerances. When used in conjunction with our algorithm, most cases show large mitigation of computational cost.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENP-13-M-34
DTIC Accession Number
ADA576034
Recommended Citation
Thelen, Paul M., "Solving Point-Reactor Kinetics Equations Using Exponential Moment Methods" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 948.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/948