A comparison of the finite & global element methods in neutron diffusion analysis /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Carpenter, David Charles, 1955-
Other Authors:	Hassan, Yassin A. (degree committee member.), Gallup, Donald R. (degree committee member.), Nelson, Paul (degree committee member.), Palazzolo, Alan B. (degree committee member.)
Format:	Thesis Book
Language:	English
Published:	1989.
Subjects:	Neutron transport theory. Finite element method. Numerical analysis. Major nuclear engineering. Academic theses
Online Access:	ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy

Description
Abstract:	A comparison between the finite element method (FEM) and the global element method (GEM ) has been studied for 1-D multigroup neutron diffusion analysis. Both methods are piecewise variational techniques but differ in the choice of polynomial basis functions and the implementation of the boundary conditions. The basis functions for the FEM are Lagrange interpolation polynomials while those of the GEM are modified Chebyshev polynomials. Although interface continuity conditions are automatically satisfied in the FEM formulation. Dirichlet boundaries are explicitly implemented in the choice of basis functions. In the GEM, all boundary conditions are implicit to the variational formulation. Results indicate that p-method analysis in the FEM is more efficient than the conventional h-method approach. Implementation of spatially dependent properties and energy dependent flux expansions are discussed. A new methodology in the architecture of the FEM for 2-D analysis is presented which demonstrates a significant increase in computational efficiency. Extensions of the GEM to 2-D are also discussed.
Item Description:	Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Nuclear engineering."
Physical Description:	xi, 231 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.