Review of JAEA's Monte Carlo codes for nuclear reactor core analysis

Nagaya, Yasunobu

EPJ Nuclear Sciences & Technologies (Internet), 11, p.1_1 - 1_7, 2025/01

https://doi.org/10.1051/epjn/2024020

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been developing a general-purpose continuous-energy Monte Carlo code MVP for nuclear reactor core analysis. Recently improvements to MVP have been focused on the development of an advanced neutronics/thermal-hydraulics coupling code. JAEA has also developed a new Monte Carlo solver Solomon for criticality safety analysis. Solomon aims to calculate the criticality of a damaged reactor core including fuel debris. This paper provides an overview of the capabilities and reviews recent applications of MVP and Solomon.

A Proposed regulatory framework for small modular reactors

Nuclear System Technology Review Committee

JAEA-Review 2024-018, 38 Pages, 2024/06

JAEA-Review-2024-018.pdf:1.46MB

In the R&D activities related to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Innovative Nuclear R&D Program, "Development of Integrated Energy System Simulation Method Utilizing Small Modular Reactors for Enhanced System Decarbonization and Resilience," Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) established the "Nuclear System Technology Review Committee," consisting of experts in the subject areas, to obtain advice on the feasibility of deploying Design-standardized, Factory-built, Site-independent Small Modular Reactors (DFS-SMRs) in Japan and other countries. The Committee met three times during the 2021-2024 project period to discuss proposals for a regulatory framework for the potential commercial deployment of DFS-SMRs in Japan. The starting point for the Committee's discussions was the view that Japan's nuclear regulatory framework, like most other countries with existing commercial nuclear power plants in operation, focuses on large Light Water Reactors. Another consideration was the Committee's view on the basic structure of the regulatory framework, consistent with other regulatory initiatives around the world. Specifically, that the most effective regulatory frameworks need to be less prescriptive, less technology-dependent, and more performance-based. This report focuses on the United States, which has played a leading role in the deployment of SMRs and other advanced reactors, and summarizes the discussions regarding the proposal for a licensing framework for SMRs in Japan, an analysis of the gaps between Japan's current licensing framework and the proposed framework, and specific recommendations for closing the gaps. The Committee is hopeful that the changes to the regulatory framework proposed in this report will become a reality.

Standard guideline for the seismic response analysis method using three-dimensional finite element model of reactor buildings (Contract research) (Translated document)

Choi, B.; Nishida, Akemi; Kawata, Manabu; Shiomi, Tadahiko; Li, Y.

JAEA-Research 2024-001, 206 Pages, 2024/03

JAEA-Research-2024-001.pdf:9.12MB

In the assessment of seismic safety and the design of building structures in nuclear facilities, lumped mass models have been used as standard methods. Recent advances in computer capabilities allow the use of three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) models to account for the 3D behavior of buildings, material nonlinearity, and the nonlinear soil-structure interaction effect. While 3D analysis method has many advantages, it is necessary to ensure its reliability as a new approach. The International Atomic Energy Agency performed an international benchmark study using the 3D FE analysis model for reactor building of Unit 7 at TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station based on recordings from the Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquake in 2007. Multiple organizations from different countries participated in this study and the variation in their analytical results was significant, indicating an urgent need to improve the reliability of the analytical results by standardization of the analytical methods using 3D FE models. Additionally, it has been pointed out that it is necessary to understand the 3D behavior in the seismic fragility assessment of buildings and equipment, using realistic seismic response analysis method based on 3D FE models. In view of these considerations, a guideline for the seismic response analysis method using a 3D FE model was developed by incorporating the latest knowledge and findings in this area. The purpose of the guideline is to improve the reliability of the seismic response analysis method using 3D FE model of reactor buildings. The guideline consists of a main body, commentaries, and appendixes. The standard procedures, recommendations, key points to note, and technological bases for conducting seismic response analysis on reactor buildings using 3D FE models are provided in the guideline. In addition, the guideline will be revised reflecting the latest knowledge.

Investigation of the core neutronics analysis conditions for evaluation of burn-up nuclear characteristics of the next-generation fast reactors

Takino, Kazuo; Oki, Shigeo

JAEA-Data/Code 2023-003, 26 Pages, 2023/05

JAEA-Data-Code-2023-003.pdf:1.66MB

Since next-generation fast reactors aim to achieve a higher core discharge burn-up than conventional reactors do, core neutronics design methods must be refined. Therefore, a suitable analysis condition is required for the analysis of burn-up nuclear characteristics to accomplish sufficient estimation accuracy while maintaining a low computational cost. We investigated the effect of the analysis conditions on the accuracy of estimation of the burn-up nuclear characteristics of next-generation fast reactors in terms of neutron energy groups, neutron transport theory, and spatial mesh. This study treated the following burn-up nuclear characteristics: criticality, burn-up reactivity, control rod worth, breeding ratio, assembly-wise power distribution, maximum linear heat rate, sodium void reactivity, and Doppler coefficient for the equilibrium operation cycle. As a result, it was found that the following conditions were the most suitable: 18-energy-group structure, 6 spatial meshes per assembly with diffusion approximation. Additionally, these conditions should apply to correction factors for energy group structure, spatial mesh and transport effects.

Study on gas entrainment evaluation method at free liquid surface; Application study of adaptive mesh refinement method on unsteady wake vortex analysis

Alzahrani, H.*; Matsushita, Kentaro; Sakai, Takaaki*; Ezure, Toshiki; Tanaka, Masaaki

Proceedings of 12th Japan-Korea Symposium on Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics and Safety (NTHAS12) (Internet), 6 Pages, 2022/10

Development of evaluation method for cover gas entrainment (GE) by vortices generated at free surface in upper plenum of sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) is required. An evaluation method by predicting vortices from flow velocity distribution obtained by 3D CFD analysis is developed, and Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) method is examined to improve efficiency of CFD analysis is examined. In this study, mesh refinement with two conditions were examined. The first one is to use negative second invariant of velocity gradient tensor, Q, and the second one is to use pressure gradient condition with Q0. As a result of applying AMR method to unsteady vortices system with a flat plate, the mesh near stagnation area around flat plate was refined in the latter condition compared with the former. Transient analyses were performed with refined mesh by AMR method, the result of mesh using the latter condition was closer to the result of all refined mesh with pressure distribution near flat plate.

Identification of the reactor building damage mode for seismic fragility assessment using a three-dimensional finite element model

Choi, B.; Nishida, Akemi; Shiomi, Tadahiko; Kawata, Manabu; Li, Y.

Transactions of the 26th International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology (SMiRT-26) (Internet), 10 Pages, 2022/07

In order to improve the seismic probabilistic risk assessment method, the authors are developing methods related to realistic response, realistic resistance and fragility assessment for buildings and equipment that are important for seismic safety. In this study, in order to identify of building damage mode subjected to large seismic motions, pushover analyses using multiple analysis codes were performed using a 3D FE model of a reactor building. We obtained the analysis results for the identification of local damage mode that contributes to the fragility assessment. In this paper, we report the progress of local damage mode and ultimate strength of the building by the pushover analysis. We also compared this result with the seismic response analysis results.

Standard guideline for the seismic response analysis method using 3D finite element model of reactor buildings (Contract research)

Choi, B.; Nishida, Akemi; Kawata, Manabu; Shiomi, Tadahiko; Li, Y.

JAEA-Research 2021-017, 174 Pages, 2022/03

JAEA-Research-2021-017.pdf:9.33MB

Standard methods such as lumped mass models have been used in the assessment of seismic safety and the design of building structures in nuclear facilities. Recent advances in computer capabilities allow the use of three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) models to account for the 3D behavior of buildings, material nonlinearity, and the nonlinear soil-structure interaction effect. Since the 3D FE model enables more complex and high-level treatment than ever before, it is necessary to ensure the reliability of the analytical results generated by the 3D FE model. Guidelines for assuring the dependability of modeling techniques and the treatment of nonlinear aspects of material properties have already been created and technical certifications have been awarded in domains other than nuclear engineering. The International Atomic Energy Agency performed an international benchmark study in nuclear engineering. Multiple organizations reported on the results of seismic response studies using the 3D FE model based on recordings from the Niigata-ken Chuetsuoki Earthquake in 2007. The variation in their analytical results was significant, indicating an urgent need to improve the reliability of the analytical results by standardization of the analytical methods using 3D FE models. Additionally, it has been pointed out that it is necessary to understand the 3D behavior in the seismic fragility assessment of buildings and equipment, which requires evaluating the realistic nonlinear behavior of building facilities when assessing their seismic fragility. In view of these considerations, a standard guideline for the seismic response analysis method using a 3D FE model was produced by incorporating the latest knowledge and findings in this area. The purpose of the guideline is to improve the reliability of the seismic response analysis method using 3D FE model of reactor buildings. The guideline consists of a main body, commentaries, and appendixes; it also provides standard procedures

Applicability of equivalent linear analysis to reinforced concrete shear walls; 3D FEM simulation of experiment results of seismic wall ultimate behavior

Ichihara, Yoshitaka*; Nakamura, Naohiro*; Moritani, Hiroshi*; Horiguchi, Tomohiro*; Choi, B.

Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai Wabun Rombunshi, 21(1), p.1 - 14, 2022/03

AA2020-0911.pdf:8.99MB

https://doi.org/10.3327/taesj.J20.038

In this study, we aim to approximately evaluate the effect of nonlinearity of reinforced concrete structures through seismic response analysis using the equivalent linear analysis method. A simulation analysis was performed for the ultimate response test of the shear wall of the reactor building used in an international competition by OECD/NEA in 1996. The equivalent stiffness and damping of the shear wall were obtained from the trilinear skeleton curves proposed by the Japan Electric Association and the hysteresis curves proposed by Cheng et al. The dominant frequency, maximum acceleration response, maximum displacement response, inertia force-displacement relationship, and acceleration response spectra of the top slab could be simulated well up to a shear strain of approximately =2.010. The equivalent linear analysis used herein underestimates the maximum displacement response at the time of ultimate fracture of approximately =4.010. Moreover, the maximum shear strain of the shear wall could not capture the locally occurring shear strain compared with that of the nonlinear analysis. Therefore, when employing this method to evaluate the maximum shear strain and test results, including those during the sudden increase in displacement immediately before the fracture, sufficient attention must be paid to its applicability.

Outline of guideline for seismic response analysis method using 3D finite element model of reactor building

Choi, B.; Nishida, Akemi; Shiomi, Tadahiko; Kawata, Manabu; Li, Y.

Proceedings of 28th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE 28) (Internet), 7 Pages, 2021/08

https://doi.org/10.1115/ICONE28-61786

In the seismic safety assessment of building structures in nuclear facilities, lumped mass models are conventionally used. However, they cannot possess the required high-accuracy evaluation of nuclear facilities, such as the local response at the equipment location in a reactor building. In this point of view, a seismic response analysis method using a three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) model is indispensable. Although, it has been reported that the analysis results obtained using 3D FE models vary greatly depending on the experience and knowledge of analysts, the quality of analysis results should be insured by developing a standard analysis method. In the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, we have developed a guideline for seismic response analysis methods that adopt 3D FE models of reactor buildings. The guideline consists of a main body, commentary, and several supplements; it also includes procedures, recommendations, points of attention, and a technical basis for conducting seismic response analysis using 3D FE models of reactor buildings. In this paper, the outline of the guideline and analysis examples based on the guideline are presented.

Issues and recommendations about application of graded approach to research reactors

Yonomoto, Taisuke; Mineo, Hideaki; Murayama, Yoji; Hohara, Shinya*; Nakajima, Ken*; Nakatsuka, Toru; Uesaka, Mitsuru*

Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai-Shi ATOMO, 63(1), p.73 - 77, 2021/01

https://doi.org/10.3327/jaesjb.63.1_73

no abstracts in English