Reactivity calculation using the Euler–Maclaurin formula

We develop an approximation method based on the Euler–Maclaurin formula for numerically solving the integral of the inverse point kinetic equation for nuclear reactor power. Due to its greater precision, this method requires fewer history points than other methods based on the nuclear power history. The approximation is validated with different forms of the nuclear power and with different time step calculations. Results suggest that this method, though easier to implement, has a better precision and lower computational costs than other methods that require the nuclear power history.

► Euler–Maclaurin formula has high precision and low computational cost. ► This method can be implemented in reactivity meters with time step of up to 0.1 s. ► This approach has not limitation of the nuclear power form.