Configuration of Physics Models in `solverDict`

The main options and parameters that define the physical models, material properties, and historical variables (such as irradiation history) are all specified in a single input file called solverDict, located in the constant subdirectory of the case.

The solverDict is organized into three main sections:

Global Options and Switches: This first section contains global settings and switches to select the physics and models to be used (e.g., type of thermal solver, burnup model, heat source model, etc.).
Physics and Model Subdictionaries: This section comprises subdictionaries for each activated physics or model. Not all physics or models require specific inputs or parameters; however, if they do, general options (i.e., those not specific to a particular material) are set here.
Materials Subdictionary: The final section, the materials subdictionary, includes a list of subdictionaries, with one assigned to each cellZone defined in the mesh. Each cellZone must be associated with a material model (though materials do not have to be unique), along with parameters and models specific to that material.

Here below you can find a simplified example of a typical solverDict file:

//- Main switches and solver selection:
thermalSolver           solidConduction;
mechanicsSolver         smallStrain;
neutronicsSolver        diffusion;
elementTransport        none;

heatSource              constant;
fastFlux                constant;
burnup                  Lassmann;
mapper                  byMaterial;
fgr                     SCIANTIX;

//- Dictionaries dedicated to each physics/model:
mechanicsSolverOptions
{
    forceSummary on;
    // Other options etc.
}

heatSourceOptions
{
    // Other options etc.
}

// Other physics dictionaries etc.

//- Material subdictionaries, one per cellZone
materials
{
    fuel
    { 
        material UO2;
        enrichment 0.04;

        conductivityModel  UO2MATPRO;
        // Other options etc.
    }

    cladding
    {
        material zircaloy;
        // Other options etc.    
    }

    // Other materials if present etc.
}

In this part of the user guide, we’ll explore the various components of the solverDict, with a dedicated section for all physics and models that can be applied in an OFFBEAT simulation.

Material-specific models and properties (such as the specific conductivity model, material type, mechanical law, etc.) will be discussed in the next section of the user guide.

Configuration of Physics Models in solverDict

Contents

Configuration of Physics Models in `solverDict`