Towards validation of criticality calculations for systems with MOX powders
Résumé
A series of experiments referred to as BFS/MOX was conducted in the BFS-1 experimental facility at IPPE, Russia. The program was designed to provide a basis for validation of criticality calculations for MOX fuel manufacturing processes and particularly those with low-moderated MOX fissile material. An extensive experimental program was performed, including criticality and reactor-type parameter measurements. The experiments were evaluated, peer reviewed, and analyzed with various codes and cross section data. The criticality validation study was performed employing a sensitivity/uncertainty technique based on the generalized linear least squares method. This paper briefly describes the experimental program, shows different tools' performance when calculating criticality for the BFS/MOX configurations, and focuses upon the validation study and results for generic applications with weapons-grade plutonium. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mots clés
Actinides
Curve fitting
Least squares approximations
Plutonium
Criticality calculations
Cross section datum
Experimental facilities
Experimental programs
Fissile materials
Linear least-squares methods
Manufacturing process
Mox fuels
Parameter measurements
Validation studies
Weapons-grade plutoniums
Criticality (nuclear fission)