Integral Equation Space-Energy Flux Synthesis for Spherical Systems.
Abstract
The calculations of neutron flux distribution and growth rate for small, spherically symmetric systems usually requires extensive computing time on the largest machines. To minimize computing time, a compromise between the simplicity of diffusion theory and the accuracy of transport theory is needed. The Serber-Wilson method, Feynman's method, and early flux synthesis methods are used as the foundation for integral equation synthesis (IES) which is an approximate, numerical technique for obtaining the spatial and energy neutron flux distributions in multiplying systems. In IES, the integral form of the neutron transport equation is specialized to spatial dependence only, and then solved numerically for the two lowest order eigenfunctions. Similar specialization to energy dependence only yields a second set of trial eigenfunctions. Using standard perturbation methods, the two sets of trial eigenfunctions are synthesized into a single, two-dimensional solution. The IES technique was used to calculate the flux and multiplication factor, K, of the critical plutonium sphere, Jezebel. Results for k agreed to within 0.01% of published values, whereas the spatial flux, when normalized at the center, agreed to within 8% at the outer assembly boundary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 21, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA079587
Entities
People
- Eugene W. Skluzacek
Organizations
- Air Force Technical Applications Center