Jamie Edwards
NEF CDT Student
Department of Engineering
University of Cambridge
Contact: jke26@cam.ac.uk
Sponsor: EPSRC and UKAEA
Alternative geometry representations for Monte Carlo fusion neutronics simulations
Monte Carlo methods for neutron transport simulation are typically performed using a constructive solid geometry (CSG)-based representation to depict the shape of nuclear systems. CSG, a logical combination of basic primitive surfaces such as circles and planes, can be prohibitively time-consuming to create complex fusion reactor geometries such as diverters and vacuum vessels.
One alternative is faceted geometries. These require a hierarchical acceleration structure to be competitive with CSG and still face the trade-off of exact representation against computational speed. An alternative approach could involve utilising higher-order geometric representations.
This project will focus on developing alternative geometric representations which are better suited to fusion geometries. One initial step towards this is the implementation of Bezier based geometry types in the Cambridge Monte Carlo code SCONE which has been completed and has shown potential. The project will involve testing new ways of describing geometry and different ways of performing neutron tracking on them. SCONE is the perfect place to try some geometry types and tracking methods initially.
For maximum impact, the goal is to integrate these geometry types as an option within the CAD-to-Monte Carlo workflow of the DAGMC software package.
Highlights
Presenting at The International Conference on Mathematics and Computational Methods Applied to Nuclear Science and Engineering in Niagara Falls in 2023 was a clear highlight of my experience so far. Here, I presented some previous work on thermal treatment of elastic scattering resonances in heavy nuclides (Doppler broadening rejection correction) and On-The-Fly Doppler Broadening, using the Target Motion Sampling method, within SCONE.
Future plans
Although my current focus is on the development of new computational methods for Monte Carlo, this is driven by a deeper passion for the deployment of clean nuclear megawatts onto the grid. In the future, I would like to work in a role closer to the decision making for nuclear new build development. I hope to bring some of the reactor physics skills developed during the PhD to the table in a more business-oriented setting.