The primary objective of this research was the development of a comprehensive, rapid and conceptually simple methodology for PWR core reload pattern and fuel composition optimization, capable of systematic incorporation of constraints, in which cycle burnup is defined as the optimality criterion. A coarse mesh nodal method for PWR core analysis was formulated by coupling the one-and-one-half-group diffusion theory model for spatial power calculations with the linear reactivity versus burnup model (LRM) for depletion calculations. The accuracy and suitability of this model was determined through comparisons of its results with those of state-of-the-art core analysis methods.
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