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Title: SWANS: A Prototypic SCALE Criticality Sequence for Automated Optimization Using the SWAN Methodology

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/777696· OSTI ID:777696

SWANS is a new prototypic analysis sequence that provides an intelligent, semi-automatic search for the maximum k{sub eff} of a given amount of specified fissile material, or of the minimum critical mass. It combines the optimization strategy of the SWAN code with the composition-dependent resonance self-shielded cross sections of the SCALE package. For a given system composition arrived at during the iterative optimization process, the value of k{sub eff} is as accurate and reliable as obtained using the CSAS1X Sequence of SCALE-4.4. This report describes how SWAN is integrated within the SCALE system to form the new prototypic optimization sequence, describes the optimization procedure, provides a user guide for SWANS, and illustrates its application to five different types of problems. In addition, the report illustrates that resonance self-shielding might have a significant effect on the maximum k{sub eff} value a given fissile material mass can have.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
OSTI ID:
777696
Report Number(s):
ORNL/TM-1999/274; TRN: US0102062
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 11 Jan 2001
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English