Finite element solutions of space--time nonlinear reactor dynamics
The finite element method was used to solve a nonlinear two-dimensional reactor dynamics equation. The system considered is a superprompt critical fast reactor, subjected to the prompt feedback condition. Various nonuniform initial disturbances allow the examination of the spatial dependence of neutron dynamics. Under exact numerical treatment, the quadratic nonlinearity in the dynamics equation transforms into an N x N/sup 2/ matrix operator, where N is the system degree of freedom. This large matrix size taxes heavily on computer time and storage. The results obtained can be considered as a numerical standard. It is found that there is a strong spatial dependence during the early phase of the transient, and that this dependence increases with increasing discontinuity in initial conditions. The transient behavior at each point in space also depends strongly on the spatial distribution and magnitude of the initial disturbances.
- Research Organization:
- Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
- OSTI ID:
- 7363726
- Journal Information:
- Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 60:2; ISSN NSENA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Finite element solution of a three-dimensional nonlinear reactor dynamics problem with feedback
Effective methods for solution of nonlinear reactor dynamics problems using finite elements