Influence of the ATHLET Maximum Permissible Time Step Size on the Results

The maximum permissible time step size is an input parameter of the ATHLET code. In the ATHLET input data description a value of 5 s is recommended for this parameter. For first tests of the coupling of the ATHLET code with the 3D neutron kinetic code DYN3D test calculations with a simplified VVER-440 data set were carried out. The results were compared with ATHLET calculations with point kinetics. The influence of the maximum permissible time step size on the results of these calculations with point kinetics is discussed for two test cases. In the first case the time points for opening and closing of safety valves are shifted for maximum permissible time steps greater than 0.5 s. In the second case there is an oscillation of power for maximum time steps of 2 s, which is removed by a maximum time step size of 0.5 s. These examples show, that the recommended value for the maximum permissible time step size is not suitable for all problems.