Group Constants Generation Based on NECP-MCX Monte Carlo Code

The reliability of few-group constants generated by lattice physics calculation is significant for the accuracy of the conventional two-step method in neutronics calculation. The deterministic method is preferred in the lattice calculation due to its efficiency. However, it is difficult for the deterministic method to treat the resonance self-shielding effect accurately and handle complex geometries. Compared to the deterministic method, the Monte Carlo method has the characteristics of using continuous-energy cross section and the powerful capability of geometric modeling. Therefore, the Monte Carlo particle transport code NECP-MCX is extended in this study to generate assembly-homogenized few-group constants. The cumulative migration method is adopted to generate the accurate diffusion coefficient and the leakage correction is performed using the homogeneous fundamental mode approximation. For the verification of the generated few-group constants, a code sequence named MCX-SPARK is built based on NECP-MCX and a core analysis code SPARK to perform the two-step calculation. The physics start-up test of the HPR1000 reactor is simulated using the MCX-SPARK sequence. The results from MCX-SPARK agree well with the results from the design report and a deterministic two-step code Bamboo-C. It is concluded that the NECP-MCX has the ability to generate accurate few-group constants.