MATLAB PDE toolbox for 2-D and 3-D neutron diffusion simulations

This research extends MATLAB PDE Toolbox to model nuclear reactors by solving the 2-D and 3-D multigroup neutron diffusion equations using the finite element method. The developed scripts can simulate reactors with rectangular and hexagonal lattices and have the potential to handle complex core configurations, benefitting from the constructive solid geometry. The meshing subroutine decomposes the domain into unstructured triangular or tetrahedral elements that are either linear or quadratic. With many versatile MATLAB functions, data analysis and visualization can be accomplished within the same software environment. The proposed toolbox provides a graphical user interface for novices and simple models and a programmatic workflow for experienced users and complex problems. Multiple benchmark tests show that the developed framework produces accurate results with acceptable computation speed. The developed MATLAB reactor simulation engine is license friendly and readily accessible by researchers and students, making it an ideal research and educational tool.