Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

A finite element projection method for the solution of particle transport problems

Journal Article · · Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6992643

A method for solving particle transport problems has been developed. In this method the particle flux is expressed as a linear and separable sum of odd and even components in the direction variables. Then a Bubnov-Galerkin projection technique and an equivalent variational Raleigh-Ritz solution are applied to the second-order transport equation. A dual finite element basis of polynomial splines in space and spherical harmonics in angle is used. The general theoretical and numerical problem formalism is carried out for a seven-dimensional problem with anisotropic scattering, time dependence, three spatial and two angular variables, and with a multigroup treatment of the energy dependence. The boundary conditions for most physical problems of interest are dealt with explicitly and rigorously by a classical minimization (variational) principle. Finally, the computational validation of the method is obtained by a computer solution to the monoenergetic steady-state air-over-ground problem in a cylindrical (r,z) geometry and with an exponentially varying atmosphere.

Research Organization:
McClellan Central Lab., McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, CA 95652
OSTI ID:
6992643
Journal Information:
Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 93:3; ISSN NSENA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English