Adding MSRE Xe Poisoning Model

[hapfang]

Model Description

This model simulates loop-wide $^{135}Xe$ poisoning in the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) using the BlueCRAB physics suite. It features a tight coupling between Pronghorn (porous-media thermal-hydraulics and species transport) and Griffin (multigroup neutronics) within a 2-D axisymmetric (RZ) framework.

The simulation explicitly accounts for:

• Advection-diffusion-reaction of the $^{135}I$ and $^{135}Xe$ chain.
• Physical xenon stripping/removal at the pump bowl.
• Direct reactivity feedback through local cross-section updates in the neutronics solve.

System Requirements: The model is compatible with high-end workstations but is recommended for execution on HPC clusters (e.g., INL Sawtooth) using the BlueCRAB suite.

Project Description

• Team: A collaborative effort between the ANL and INL NEAMS MSR Application Driver teams.
• Funding: Funded by the DOE Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program.
• Status: This work was concluded in FY24.

Impact

This model serves as a valuable example of the native multiphysics coupling capabilities within the MOOSE framework. By providing a documented template for tracking circulating fission products and their associated reactivity penalties, this project:

1. Showcases the fidelity of 2-D axisymmetric representations for complex system-level transport.
2. Promotes the adoption of NEAMS tools within the nuclear community for advanced reactor design and safety analysis.