Development of Reactor System Code Analysis Workbook: RELAP5/ASYST

Abstract

Abstract In the operation of nuclear reactor, proficient utilization of system code analysis tools in predicting reactor behaviour is critical for ensuring safe operation and performance optimization. However, the complexity inherent in these tools often poses a significant challenge for new users, hindering their ability to navigate and utilize these systems effectively. This workbook aims to address this challenge by presenting a comprehensive training package specifically designed for new users delving into system code analysis. It provides consistent examples, analytical solutions and results for two major nuclear reactor system codes (RELAP5 and ASYST), different models, and analysis techniques into a single, user-friendly platform. The overarching objective is to provide prospective nuclear engineers, researchers, and operators with a versatile and efficient tool that streamlines the process of initial training for reactor system analysis. This work provides the much needed structured and accessible training methodologies to facilitate skill acquisition among new users in nuclear power engineering. The methodology employed involves description of basic required components, theoretical background, and simulation results. Essential components of this training package include the procedural steps, input file development, practical hands-on exercises and simulated flow cases of reactor components with analytical validation. Each example provides detailed inputs for modelling steady and transient conditions for both single, multi-channels, connecting components and systems. The results of simulations were validated by presenting respective analytical calculations which show good agreement. Sensitivity studies are also included so new users can begin gaining intuition on the impact of some of the inputs of simulation results. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future work are included in the final chapter.