A novel discontinuous-Galerkin deterministic neutronics model for Fusion applications: development and benchmarking

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new fast deterministic neutronics model for fusion reactors that combines advanced numerical methods to enable quick, accurate 3D neutron response assessments crucial for fusion power plant design.

Contribution

It presents a novel combination of discontinuous Galerkin discretization, discrete-ordinates, and matrix-free solvers for efficient 3D neutronics modeling in fusion applications.

Findings

Successfully benchmarked against literature tests

Achieved accurate neutron response predictions

Enabled efficient blanket simulation

Abstract

Neutron interactions in a fusion power plant play a pivotal role in determining critical design parameters such as coil-plasma distance and breeding blanket composition. Fast predictive neutronic capabilities are therefore crucial for an efficient design process. For this purpose, we have developed a new deterministic neutronics method, capable of quickly and quickly assessing the neutron response of a fusion reactor, even in three-dimensional geometry. It uses a novel combination of arbitrary-order discontinuous Galerkin spatial discretization, discrete-ordinates angular and multigroup energy discretizations, arbitrary-order anisotropic scattering, and matrix-free iterative solvers, allowing for fast and accurate solutions. One, two, and three-dimensional models are implemented. Cross sections can be obtained from standard databases or from Monte-Carlo simulations. Benchmarks and literature tests were performed, concluding with a successful blanket simulation.