CAD-based Monte Carlo program for integrated simulation of nuclear system SuperMC

TLDR

Monte Carlo methods offer distinct advantages for simulating complex nuclear systems, and coupling them with multi‑physics simulations can significantly improve safety, economy, and sustainability, yet current challenges limit their application in real engineering projects. The paper presents the design objective, architecture, and main methodology of SuperMC. SuperMC is a CAD‑based Monte Carlo program that integrates hybrid MC and deterministic methods with advanced computing technologies, and it has been developed and validated through benchmarking against models such as ITER and BN‑600. The latest SuperMC2.1 version supports neutron, photon, and coupled transport calculations with comprehensive geometry and physics modeling, visualization, and is progressing toward becoming a general, routine tool for nuclear system simulation.

Abstract

Monte Carlo (MC) method has distinct advantages to simulate complicated nuclear systems and is envisioned as a routine method for nuclear design and analysis in the future. High-fidelity simulation with MC method coupled with multi-physics phenomena simulation has significant impact on safety, economy and sustainability of nuclear systems. However, great challenges to current MC methods and codes prevent its application in real engineering projects. SuperMC, developed by the FDS Team in China, is a CAD-based Monte Carlo program for integrated simulation of nuclear systems by making use of hybrid MC and deterministic methods and advanced computer technologies. The design objective, architecture and main methodology of SuperMC are presented in this paper. SuperMC2.1, the latest version, can perform neutron, photon and coupled neutron and photon transport calculation, geometry and physics modeling, results and process visualization. It has been developed and verified by using a series of benchmarking cases such as the fusion reactor ITER model and the fast reactor BN-600 model. SuperMC is still in its evolution process toward a general and routine tool for the simulation of nuclear systems.