Running the CATHENA Thermohydraulics Code on a Supermicro Computer

Abstract

WNRE's CATHENA (Mod 1.2a) two-fluid thermohydraulics code has been installed on an Apollo DN3000 work station. This paper describes our experience in code conversion and simulations, and discusses the advantages of using supermicro computers to run codes such as CATHENA. The major code conversion from the VAX to the Apollo computer was initially done by Wardrop Engineering Consultants under contract to the Atomic Energy Control Board. Subsequent changes have been made to modify file handling, screen graphics and hard copy plotting. Simulations of reactor transients were performed primarily to gain experience with the code. The input data for a CANDU Eigure-of-eight loop was originally provided by Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment and was subsequently modified to simulate. the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS), breaks, and control valves. The transients simulated included Loss-of-Coolant accidents and spurious opening of D,O isolation valves in the ECCS. Comparisons of code results and run times with main frame version are presented.