Neutronics simulation on the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR)

This research will develop and test new software tools in reactor physics (openMC) for neutronic calculations. It involves development/extension of the existing McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) core physics models in the openMC code and benchmarking against existing results obtained with other tools. Once benchmarked the student will perform a serries of simulations to mimic the recent MNR Feedback Coefficient Tests where the moderator temperature was physically changed and the impact on core reactivity was measured by observing the impact on control rod position. The student will parametrically simulate the MNR core for a wide range of control rod positions and moderator temperatures and compare the results to the transients measured during the MNR experiments. The student will document the model and results in an end of term report.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Novog

Student:

Partner:

Université Grenoble Alpes

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: