Monte Carlo simulation of the simplified model of the modified PRR-1 SATER using OpenMC

Authors

  • Neil Kyle O. Maniquis ⋅ PH Physics Department, De La Salle University, Manila
  • Art Marcelo E. Andallo II ⋅ PH Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
  • Ariel Jorge F. Payot ⋅ PH Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
  • Jeffrey D. Tare ⋅ PH Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute

Abstract

The Philippine Research Reactor-1 (PRR-1) Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research (SATER) currently operates as a subcritical facility. To support more advanced nuclear science programs and expand experimental capabilities, exploring a transition to a zero-power critical (ZPC) configuration is a solution. Utilizing OpenMC, an open-source Monte Carlo neutron transport code, a simplified model of the modified PRR-1 SATER was developed. Using a two-phase algorithm, a 56-pin configuration was found to have a keff  value closest to 1 with its keff  = 1.00050 ± 0.00010. This demonstrates that the PRR-1 SATER is capable of holding enough fuel pins to reach criticality, opening up the possibility of PRR-1 SATER transitioning into a ZPC in the future.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-09

Issue

2026: Proceedings of the 44th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference

Section

Poster Session PB

License

Copyright License Agreement for Full Articles

How to Cite

[1]
NKO Maniquis, AME Andallo, AJF Payot, and JD Tare, Monte Carlo simulation of the simplified model of the modified PRR-1 SATER using OpenMC, in Proceedings of the 44th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference (Philippines, 2026), SPP-2026-PB-13. URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2026-PB-13
BibTeX (.bib)