Development of Output User Interface Software to Support Analysis

Nursinta Adi Wahanani1)*, Khairina Natsir1), Entin Hartini1)

1)

Center for Development of Nuclear Informatics - National Nuclear Energy Agency PUSPIPTEK, Serpong, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia * Email: sintaadi@batan.go.id

Abstract. Data processing software packages such as VSOP and MCNPX are softwares that has been scientifically proven and complete. The result of VSOP and MCNPX are huge and complex text files. In the analyze process, user need additional processing like excell to show informative result. This research develop an user interface software for output of VSOP and MCNPX. VSOP program output is used to support neutronic analysis and MCNPX program output is used to support burn-up analysis. Software development using iterative development methods which allow for revision and addition of features according to user needs. PYTHON is used as a programming language, because Python is available for all major operating systems: Windows, Linux/Unix, OS/2, Mac, Amiga, among others. Values that support neutronic analysis are k-eff, burn-up and mass Pu239 and Pu241 . For burn-up analysis used the mass inventory values of actinide (Thorium, Plutonium, Neptunium and Uranium). Values are visualized in graphical shape to support

analysis.
Keywords : Output Software development, Iterative development, VSOP, MCNPX

INTRODUCTION
On the nuclear energy application some software package like MCNPX and VSOP are available. The neutronics analysis code VSOP is used for the prediction and verification of the first full power operation. The characteristics of pebble bed high temperature gas cooled reactors are taken into account. (Xingqing & Yongwei, 2004). MCNPX can be used for the calculation of criticality and burn-up to the terrace PWR by using cross-sections of data libraries (Hartini, Andiwijakusuma, & Wahanani, 2013). The result of VSOP and MCNPX packages are huge and complex text files.Usual problems in simulation output analysis are lack of statistical basis, lack of adequate software, errors in the concepts of simulation and historical reasons. Available software has a slave role. Most of them offer several data analysis alternatives in order to free users from time consuming analysis work, but do not worry about hypotheses and criteria for a correct applicability of the available analysis techniques (Vaccaro & Wagner, 1999). . The process of looking for a suitable output require time and knowledge entire output produced. In the analyze process, user need additional processing like excell to show informative result. Simulation users need software with friendly interfaces and focused on the question that are most relevant to the data analysis.

Simulation is performed by user who came different degree of user expertise. The most common types of output analysis software are independent packages and modules integrated into simulation environtment.(Vaccaro & Wagner, 1999). Based on this background, this research aim to develop an user interface software of VSOP and MCNPX output. This development is usefull to support analysis. Input data for this development selected from the result of VSOP and MCNPX. VSOP output is used to support neutronic analysis. MCNPX output is used to supports burn-up analysis. PYTHON is used as a programming language, because Python is available for all major operating systems: Windows, Linux/Unix, OS/2, Mac, Amiga, among others (ANONIM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Programming process model is an abstract representation to describe the process from a particular perspective. There are numbers of general models for software processes, like Iterative Model. With Iterative Development, the project is divided into small parts. This allows the development team to demonstrate results earlier on in the process and obtain valuable feedback from system users (Munassar & Govardhan, 2010). This research develop software with iterative development. The software product, which are produced at the end of each step (or series of steps), can go into production immediately as incremental releases. Data
input of this software is the output file of the program VSOP or MCNPX Filtering of the input data file tailored to the required criteria. The result is then visualized in graphical form. This software produces data visualization to support analysis. Output

visualization of VSOP supports neutronic analysis while the output visualization of MCNPX supports burnup analysis. In an iterative development, software is built and delivered (either for production use or for feedback) in iterations each iteration delivering a working software system that is generally an increment to the previous delivery. (Jalote). Figure 1 ilustrates flowchart this research

Figure 1. Research Flowchart

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Data visualization in graphic is often used in the processing to support analysis. Softwares such as VSOP and MCNPX are softwares that includes the reactor complex problems and complete, as well as the output. The data processing

of this software are scientifically proven and adequate for analysis. Output software development using python programming language based on the user needs appropriate based on priorities. Figure 2 is a picture of an iterative process is carried out.

Figure 2. Iterative Process

First Iterative of VSOP output related to neutronic problems. Based on subject matter do analyzed on VSOP output . Data related to neutronic results such as k-effective value, burn-up, mass of Pu241 and mass of Pu239. Values are visualized in graphical shape to support analysis. Graph supports neutronic analysis such as K-eff vs. Burn-up, K-eff vs. Day, Day vs. Burn-up, Massa Pu239 vs. K-eff and Mass Pu241vs K-eff . Figure 3 shows step of process such as output VSOP file, result of filter data to support neutronic analysis and Graph.

Graph images in figure 3 are the results of VSOP program. Input parameters used in VSOP programs as seen at table 1. The table contains power, fuel parameters and parameters of coated.

Tabel 1. Main Parameter HTGR Power Core Height Enrichment Volumetric filling factor of the fuel elements Particle radius RO1,RO2 Thickness Coating Layer(buffer) Thickness Coating Layer (IPyC) Thickness Coating Layer (SiC) Thickness Coatig Layer (OPyC) Diameter of ball Diameter of Fuel Zone Density C Matrix 100 MW 525 cm 10 % U-235 61 % 0.025 cm 10.40 gr/cc 0.0095 cm 0.0040 cm 0.0035 cm 0.0040 cm 6 cm 5 cm 1.75 gr/cc

As in the VSOP, the first iterative on the output MCNPX is analyze burnup problem. Values that support burn-up analysis are k-eff, burn-up and actinide mass inventory (Thorium, Uranium, Neptunium and Plutonium).Values are visualized in graphical shape. Graph support burn-up analyze are K-eff vs Burnup, Burn-up vs massa Thorium, Burn-up vs massa Neptunium, Burn-up vs massa Uranium and Burn-up vs massa Plutonium

Figure 4. Step of MCNPX process

Graph images in figure 4 are the results of MCNPX program. Input parameters used in MCNPX programs as seen at table 2. The table contains power, fuel parameters and parameters of coated. Tabel 2. Main Parameter PWR Power Fuel Material Fuel Temperature Pellet diameter Enrichment Pellet length Cladding material Cladding thicknes Cladding temperature Moderator Moderator Temperatur Boron Concentrate 54MW Pelet UO2 900 K 8,05 mm 4,5 % U235 365 cm Zircaloy-4 0,0571 cm 622 K H2O 576 K 850 ppm

Development software with iterative development allows for improvement and increase in the process. The feedback generated by assessment at the end of each iteration allows action to be taken by adjusting the plans for the next and all subsequent iterations. This development is expected to produce an output software interface classified properly and sufficiently complete to assist users in the analysis process.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

In this research, VSOP and MCNPX output packet processing has been developed to support analysis. This Development use iterative development methods which allow for improvements and additions to the function. Visualization of VSOP output in graphic shape is used to support the neutronic analysis, MCNPX output is used to support burn-up analysis. The next development plan is to improve and complete the necessary visualization and its description

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