Research Reactor Benchmarks

Journal Article · Mon Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2003 · Nuclear Science and Engineering

OSTI ID:20804881

Ravnik, Matjaz; Jeraj, Robert ^[1]

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1. J. Stefan Institute (Slovenia)

A criticality benchmark experiment performed at the Jozef Stefan Institute TRIGA Mark II research reactor is described. This experiment and its evaluation are given as examples of benchmark experiments at research reactors. For this reason the differences and possible problems compared to other benchmark experiments are particularly emphasized. General guidelines for performing criticality benchmarks in research reactors are given. The criticality benchmark experiment was performed in a normal operating reactor core using commercially available fresh 20% enriched fuel elements containing 12 wt% uranium in uranium-zirconium hydride fuel material. Experimental conditions to minimize experimental errors and to enhance computer modeling accuracy are described. Uncertainties in multiplication factor due to fuel composition and geometry data are analyzed by sensitivity analysis. The simplifications in the benchmark model compared to the actual geometry are evaluated. Sample benchmark calculations with the MCNP and KENO Monte Carlo codes are given.

• OSTI ID: 20804881
• Journal Information: Nuclear Science and Engineering, Journal Name: Nuclear Science and Engineering Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 145; ISSN NSENAO; ISSN 0029-5639
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
BENCHMARKS
CRITICALITY
ERRORS
FUEL ELEMENTS
GEOMETRY
MONTE CARLO METHOD
MULTIPLICATION FACTORS
REACTOR CORES
RESEARCH REACTORS
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
SIMULATION
URANIUM
ZIRCONIUM HYDRIDES