KRAM, A lattice physics code for modeling the detailed depletion of gadolinia isotopes in BWR lattice designs

Abstract

Lattice physics codes are used to deplete the burnable isotopes present in each lattice design, calculate the buildup of fission products, and generate the few-group cross-section data needed by the various nodal simulator codes. Normally, the detailed depletion of gadolinia isotopes is performed outside the lattice physics code in a one-dimensional environment using an onion-skin model, such as the method used in MICBURN. Results from the onion-skin depletion, in the form of effective microscopic absorption cross sections for the gadolinia, are then used by the lattice physics code during the lattice-depletion analysis. The reactivity of the lattice at any point in the cycle depends to a great extent on the amount of gadolinia present. In an attempt to improve the modeling of gadolinia depletion from fresh boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel designs, the electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) lattice-physics code CPM-2 has been modified extensively. In this paper, the modified code KRAM is described, and results from various lattice-depletion analyses are discussed in comparison with results from standard CPM-2 and CASMO-2 analyses.