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Design of Critical Experiments Targeting Epithermal Cross Sections of Tantalum

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.13182/T127-39791· OSTI ID:1923336
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are collaborating to develop a capability to test the epithermal/intermediate cross sections of tantalum (Ta) at the SNL critical experiments facility using the Seven Percent Critical Experiment (7uPCX) fuel. The Sandia Critical Experiments (SCX) Program provides a specialized facility for performing water moderated and reflected critical experiments with UO2 fuel rod arrays. A history of safe reactor operations and flexibility in reactor core configuration has resulted in the completion of several benchmark critical experiment evaluations that are published in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) Handbook. The critical experiments described here are scheduled to be performed at SCX in fiscal year 2023. Currently, fabrication details for the needed new equipment are being finalized for completion of the procurement process. The experiments will then be executed and documented for publication consideration by the ICSBEP.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1923336
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 127; ISSN 0003-018X
Publisher:
American Nuclear Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English