Using FORTRAN Modules to Design and Develop Modular Reactor Analysis Software Components

Abstract

This paper presents a design for heavy and light water property calculation routines using object-oriented design techniques. The designed routines are part of a new thermalhydraulics code being developed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). We demonstrate how application of object-oriented methodology leads to Fortran modules that use new features of Fortran 95 effectively. We also present performance metrics. This paper contributes in two ways. Firstly, it provides a methodology that can be used to systematically identify objects, assign responsibilities to the objects and establish the interaction among objects. Secondly, it shows how the designs can be communicated using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).