Coupling between DONJON and CATHENA using a Bash script for RIH break opening time assessment

Abstract of the technical paper presented at:
The 24th CNS Nuclear Simulation Symposium
Ottawa, Ontario
October 14–16, 2012

Prepared by:
M. Fassi Fehri
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

More and more safety analyses are performed with coupled safety codes to assess in detail the reactor behaviour under abnormal conditions. The Canadian industry gives a particular attention to script-based or PVM-based coupling of reactor physics (RFSP) and thermalhydraulics (CATHENA or TUF) codes.

This work presents a first step to develop independent simulation capabilities using a script-based coupling of DONJON and CATHENA codes. This work aims to provide CNSC with a tool allowing for independent insights related to CANDU reactors behaviour under different anticipated transients or accidents involving reactor physics and thermalhydraulics. A particular interest is being given to the assessment of the impact of RIH break opening time on the power pulse for a generic CANDU-6 reactor.