A Three-Dimensional Nodal Diffusion Code Based on the AFEN Methodology

Abstract

In this paper, a new three-dimensional nodal diffusion code which is based on the AFEN methodology is described and tested. The method expands the homogeneous flux within a node in ter-ms of eighteen analytic basis functions satisfying the diffusion equation at any point of the node. And the nodal coupling equations are derived such that nodal balance, current continuity and leakage balance within an infinitesimally small box around the edge are satisfied. To verify its accuracy, the code was applied to the well-known static LMW benchmark problem and a small core benchmark problem that has the same material properties as the three-dimensional IAEA benchmark problem and compared with two other codes (QUANDRY, VENTURE). The results show that the code provides good accuracy both in the power distribution and in the effective multiplication factor.