DACOS: DAKOTA-AGENT neutronics computational optimization system

DACOS is a newly developed computational optimization system that merges well-known neutron transport code AGENT and well-known optimization tool DAKOTA. The DACOS can be applied to any reactor configuration for the purpose of optimizing its parameters such as but not limited to determining the optimal fuel composition and spatial distribution, amount and position of reflectors and neutron absorbing materials to achieve a specified neutron flux at a given location in the reactor or reactor power level. In this paper we provide detailed description of the DACOS system performances with the examples that include modeling of the University of Utah TRIGA research reactor to achieve a specific neutron flux in the center of the reactor by altering the fuel, reflectors, and neutron absorbing materials and their placement within the core. This research reactor DACOS model is also utilized in demonstrating its ability to determine the control rod placement and fuel placement to assure a desired keff. The DACOS demonstrated the ability to successfully optimize neutron flux and keff and thus shows to be applied to any type and complexity of nuclear reactors.