Work

Padé Approximation for Solving Coupled Subgroup Neutron Transport Equations in Resonant Interference Media

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Resonance self-shielding in multi-resonant nuclide media is a dominant physical process in reactor neutronics analysis. This study proposes an improved subgroup method (ISM) based on Padé rational approximation, constructing a high-order rational function mapping between effective and background cross-sections to overcome the precision bottleneck of traditional DSMs and BIMs in nonlinear resonance interference scenarios. The method first generates cross-section relation data via ultra-fine group calculations, then solves subgroup parameters using a positive definite system, with a Spatial Homogenization (SPH) factor introduced for reaction rate conservation. Validation results show that ISM + SPH reduces k-infinity errors from −708 pcm (DSM) to +5 pcm for UO2 fuel, and from −269 pcm to +45 pcm for MOX fuel with 239Pu, significantly enhancing neutron transport accuracy in complex fuel systems. This work provides a theoretically rigorous and practically applicable approach for efficient resonance modeling in advanced reactor fuel design.

Source: Mathematics

DOI: 10.3390/math13183003

Authors: Yongfa Zhang, Song Li, Lei Liu, Xinwen Zhao, Qi Cai, Qian Zhang

Institutions: Naval University of Engineering, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear reactor physics and engineering

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province