ABSTRACT
The energy generation distribution throughout the nuclear reactor is achieved via a neutronic analysis of the reactor. Accurate knowledge of the energy source is a prerequisite for analysis of the temperature distribution, which in turn is required for definition of the nuclear and physical properties of the fuel, coolant, and structural materials. Therefore, coupling the neutronic and thermal analyses of a nuclear core is required for accurate prediction of its steady state as well as its transient conditions. For simplicity, the neutronic and thermal analyses performed during thermal design evaluations may not be coupled, in which case the magnitude and distribution of the energy generation rate are assumed to be fixed, and thermal analysis is carried out to predict the temperature distribution in the reactor core.
