Extension of the DYN3D/ATHLET code system to SFR applications: models description and initial validation

DYN3D is a 3D reactor dynamics code originally developed for Light Water Reactors (LWRs) analyses. In recent years, the applicability range of DYN3D was extended to coupled 3D neutronics/thermal-hydraulics (TH) simulations of steady-states and transients in Sodium cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) at reactor core level. The main objective of this study is to scale up the simulation capabilities of DYN3D from SFR core to system level by coupling DYN3D with a TH system code ATHLET capable of sodium flow modeling. The paper describes the adaption and extension of the existing LWR-oriented DYN3D/ATHLET coupling to SFR analysis. This includes a description of the coupling techniques used to integrate DYN3D with ATHLET and a summary of modifications required to enable the modeling of SFR specific phenomena. The paper also presents the approach to the modeling of reactivity effects caused by the thermal expansions of the reactor components located outside the reactor core, such as reactor vessel, core support structure (strongback), control rod drive lines (CRDLs), etc. The paper also includes the description of the initial verification and validation activities of the extended DYN3D/ATHLET code system. The unprotected stage of the Phenix End-Of-Life natural convection test is used as a test case for this purpose.