Modeling nonlinear fractional-order subdiffusive dynamics in nuclear reactor with artificial neural networks

This paper presents the development and analysis of artificial neural network (ANN) models for the nonlinear fractional-order (FO) point reactor kinetics model, FO Nordheim–Fuchs model, inverse FO point reactor kinetics model and FO constant delayed neutron production rate approximation model. These models represent the dynamics of a nuclear reactor with neutron transport modeled as subdiffusion. These FO models are nonlinear in nature, are comprised of a system of coupled fractional differential equations and integral equations, and are considered to be difficult for solving both analytically and numerically. The ANN models were developed using the data generated from these models. The work involves the iterative process of ANN learning with different combinations of layers and neurons. It is shown through extensive simulation studies that the developed ANN models faithfully capture the transient and steady-state dynamics of these FO models, thereby providing a satisfactory representation for the nonlinear subdiffusive process of neutron transport in a nuclear reactor.