Title: Web-based post-processor for RELAP5: a development based on LabVIEW

Authors: L.A. Macedo; W.M. Torres; G. Sabundjian; D.A. Andrade; A. Belchior Jr.

Addresses: Nuclear Engineering Center – CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN – CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242 Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil. ' Nuclear Engineering Center – CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN – CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242 Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil. ' Nuclear Engineering Center – CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN – CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242 Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil. ' Nuclear Engineering Center – CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN – CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242 Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil. ' Nuclear Engineering Center – CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN – CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242 Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: This work presents the development of a LabVIEW web-based post-processor for the RELAP5 output. A RELAP5 model was developed for the thermal-hydraulics experimental facility, called Natural Circulation Circuit. A Visual Basic for application program (Xtrip) was developed to transform binary data file from RELAP5 in an ASCII file. This new output file can be displayed in user-friendly Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) of the post-processor. Temperatures are showed in a XY plot as a function of time. Other parameters can be selected and displayed in the same way. Void fractions, levels, and also the temperatures are displayed in colour-coded scales on other GUIs. This post-processor allows an easier visual understanding of the thermal hydraulics circuit behaviour for calculated and experimental results. One of the main features of this post-processor is the possibility of information interchange, and distance teaching, via the web. In future work, this post-processor will be coupled to RELAP5 for simultaneous calculation and graphical display.

Keywords: web-based post-processor; RELAP5; LabVIEW; graphical user interface; GUI; advanced computing; nuclear reactors; nuclear power; nuclear energy; simulation; world wide web; thermal-hydraulic safety analysis; thermal hydraulics; visualisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2012.048818

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2012 Vol.7 No.2, pp.166 - 178

Received: 14 Apr 2012
Accepted: 09 Jul 2012
Published online: 05 Dec 2014 *

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