Comparison Between COMSOL and RFSP-IST for a 2-D Benchmark Problem

Abstract

RFSP-IST (Reactor Fuelling Simulation Program) is a computer code used for the full-core neutronics design and analysis of CANDU® reactors. RFSP-IST calculates the static flux and power distributions in the core by solving the neutron diffusion equation in two energy groups. For validation purposes, results from RFSP-IST are often compared with those from other codes. This paper documents the comparison with the commercial finite element multiphysics software package COMSOL on a two-dimensional benchmark problem. Normalized bundle powers from RFSP-IST compared favourably with those from COMSOL, with the largest difference being 0.3%.