SUMMARY

MOOSE (Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment) tools developed by Idaho National Laboratory are being utilized at increasing rates by the government, private companies, and universities alike. With this increase in use, validation of more diverse problems is important for showcasing the capabilities of the modeling software. A good example of this is the creation of a model for the SILENE reactor used in criticality transient experiments conducted in France. This system has unique feedback phenomena such as the creation of radiolytic gas that set it apart from other types of reactors. In this work a framework for modeling the S3-300 SILENE experiment is assembled using Gmsh for the geometry, Serpent for multi-group cross section generation, and MOOSE tools for steady state, and later transient simulations. The thesis provides discussion on the background calculations, as well as initial use of diffusion theory for solving the neutronics problem, before the eventual use of the point kinetics equations. The final method results in a model that can simulate the power and feedback, with solutions outlined to address lapses in accuracy due to the constraints of time and capabilities of the MOOSE code.