Title: The Luus-Jaakola algorithm applied to a nuclear reactor core design optimisation

Authors: Wagner F. Sacco, Hermes Alves Filho, Gustavo Mendes Platt

Addresses: Thermodynamics and Optimization Group (TOG), Depto. de Modelagem Computacional, Instituto Politecnico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, R. Alberto Rangel s/n, P.O. Box 972285, Nova Friburgo, RJ, 28601–97, Brazil. ' Thermodynamics and Optimization Group (TOG), Depto. de Modelagem Computacional, Instituto Politecnico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, R. Alberto Rangel s/n, P.O. Box 972285, Nova Friburgo, RJ, 28601–97, Brazil. ' Thermodynamics and Optimization Group (TOG), Depto. de Modelagem Computacional, Instituto Politecnico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, R. Alberto Rangel s/n, P.O. Box 972285, Nova Friburgo, RJ, 28601–97, Brazil

Abstract: The Luus-Jaakola (LJ) algorithm is a random search optimisation method that has been successfully employed mainly in chemical engineering problems. In this paper, we apply this algorithm to an optimisation problem solved previously with genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimisation and Metropolis algorithms. This problem consists of adjusting several reactor cell parameters, such as dimensions, enrichment and materials, in order to minimise the average peak factor in a three-enrichment-zone reactor, considering restrictions on the average thermal flux, criticality and submoderation. LJ is compared with the aforementioned optimisation algorithms and is shown to perform well, thus demonstrating its potential for other applications.

Keywords: Luus-Jaakola algorithm; random search; stochastic optimisation; nuclear reactor design; reactor cell parameters; average peak factor; reactor core design; nuclear energy; nuclear power; nuclear reactors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2008.017544

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.1 - 10

Published online: 16 Mar 2008 *

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