Bamboo-Frame: An Automatic Modeling Tool for the Two-Step Reactor Core Physics Analysis

Abstract Conventional method of reactor core analysis pivots on the two-step methodology requires the users to have expert understanding on the methodology, to provide significant manual input, and to maintain substantial data consistency. Thereby, the calculation process turns out to be complex and error-prone. In light of this, we developed Bamboo-Frame to automate the modeling procedure in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) core analysis. This innovative tool requires users to provide only structural and operational parameters, while effectively managing complex tasks such as lattice recognition, thermal expansion, state matrix setting, core nodes division, and input file generation. This culminates in a user-friendly visualization system, thus significantly increasing accessibility and reducing manual workload. The application of Bamboo-Frame to CNP650, a PWR with a full power output of 1930 MW, showcased its capability to handle the modeling of 52 fuel lattices and numerous reflector lattices. The software’s robustness and precision were evident when compared to the case without Bamboo-Frame, with the input file size dramatically reduced from 38.6MB to 168KB, underscoring its efficiency and the potential to reduce human error. Validation through startup physical test simulations and power history following simulations proved its remarkable accuracy within industrial standards, alongside statistical analysis demonstrating compliance with engineering standards.