SKETCH-N/ATHLET coupled calculations using the boundary conditions plugin

Abstract

The paper describes recent developments in the multi-physics coupling scheme between the SKETCH-N nodal neutronics code and the best-estimate thermohydraulic code ATHLET v3.2. The boundary conditions plugin was implemented. The verification and validation were performed using the transient of the Kalinin-3 international Benchmark. The simulation results using the boundary conditions plugin show good agreement with experimental data and calculations performed by using SKETCH-N/ATHLET direct calculations. The calculations of the transient “Switch off of one MCP (Main Coolant Pump) at nominal power” is performed applying a simple core thermohydraulic model without taking into account inter-channel mass transfer.