Accuracy of criticality calculations made using current nuclear data libraries for MOX fuelled fast critical assemblies

Criticality calculations have been made for a set of ten mixed plutonium–uranium oxide (MOX) fuelled fast critical assemblies using the current nuclear data libraries, JEFF-3.1, JEFF-3.1.1, JENDL-3.3 and ENDF/B-VII.0. The results obtained using the different libraries are compared and conclusions drawn concerning the accuracy of criticality calculations made for MOX fuelled fast reactors.     

FENDL-3 benchmark test with neutronics experiments related to fusion in Japan

The IAEA supports and promotes the gathering of the best data from evaluated nuclear data libraries for each nucleus involved in fusion reactor applications and compiles these data as FENDL. In 2012, the IAEA released a major update to FENDL, FENDL-3.0, which extends the neutron energy range from 20 MeV to greater than 60 MeV for 180 nuclei. We have benchmarked FENDL-3.0 versus in situ and TOF experiments using the DT neutron source at FNS at the JAEA and TOF experiments using the DT neutron source at OKTAVIAN at Osaka University in Japan. The Monte Carlo code MCNP-5 and the ACE file of FENDL-3.0 supplied from the IAEA were used for the calculations. The results were compared with measured ones and those obtained using the previous version, FENDL-2.1, and the latest version, JENDL-4.0. It is concluded that FENDL-3.0 is as accurate as or more so than FENDL-2.1 and JENDL-4.0, although some data in FENDL-3.0 may be problematic.     

Validation of MVP-II with JENDL-4.0, ENDF/B-VII.1, and JEFF-3.2 through HTC critical experiments

In order to validate MVP-II, Haut Taux de Combustion (HTC) experiments were analyzed using a code with relatively new nuclear data libraries, JENDL-4.0, ENDF/B-VII.1, and JEFF-3.2. The effective neutron multiplication factor k_eff values were obtained through analyses of all phases of the HTC experiments. Consequently, the k_eff biases evaluated for each nuclear data library were within 300 pcm. Additionally, microscopic production and capture reaction rates of major actinide isotopes were analyzed to substantiate differences among the libraries for a representative case of Phase 1 of the HTC experiments. The analysis showed that microscopic cross sections of ²³⁸Pu and ²⁴¹Am in JEFF-3.2 were somewhat large compared to those of ENDF/B-VII.1 and JENDL-4.0 for the representative case of Phase 1.     

Problems of lead nuclear data in fusion blanket design

In an irradiation experiment using a LiAl/Pb assembly, we found out that the neutron flux inside the assembly calculated with JENDL-3.3 underestimates an experimental value in the 10–16 MeV region by around 30% and that in the 0.5–5 MeV region by around 15%, while the calculated flux with JEFF-3.1 overestimates the measurement in the 5–10 MeV region by around 20%. In order to reveal a reason of the discrepancy, problems of the nuclear data libraries for lead were investigated. As a result, the following problems of the evaluated libraries were pointed out: the cross-sections of the (n,2n) reaction in JENDL-3.3 for lead isotopes are too large and cause a significant underestimation of the neutron flux above 10 MeV, which appeared in the analysis of the above experiment. Inelastic scattering data for ²⁰⁸Pb in JENDL-3.3 reproduce previous experimental double-differential cross-section data most well. However, those for the other lead isotopes have some problems and cause a large underestimation of the neutron flux from 0.5 to 5 MeV. The reason of the overestimation in the energy region of 5–10 MeV with JEFF-3.1 is still unclear.     

Lattice physics analysis of measured isotopic compositions of irradiated BWR 9 × 9 UO2 fuel

As part of a validation study of burnup calculations of BWR cores, lattice physics analyses were performed on burnups and isotopic compositions of U, Pu and fission product nuclides measured on five samples taken from 9 × 9 BWR fuel assemblies. Burnup calculations in infinite assembly geometry were carried out using MVP-BURN and SRAC codes coupled with major nuclear data libraries. The burnups determined based on the Nd-148 method were from 27.9 to 64.2 GWd/t. The typical relative differences in isotopic compositions (atom/Total-U) between the burnup calculations and measurements were ?2 ～ 19% for ²³⁴U, ?20 ～ 3% for ²³⁵U, ?1.5 ～ 0.1% for ²³⁶U, ?0.04 ～ 0.02% for ²³⁸U, ?4 ～ 11% for ²³⁸Pu, ?11 ～ ?2% for ²³⁹Pu, ?3 ～ 0% for ²⁴⁰Pu, ?12 ～ ?2% for ²⁴¹Pu and ?2 ～ 3% for ²⁴²Pu. They were ?2 ～ 2% for Nd isotopes, ?15 ～ 7% for Eu isotopes, ?13 ～ 1% for Cs isotopes, ?13 ～ 8% for Sm isotopes, 0 ～ 7% for ¹⁴⁷Pm, ?7 ～ ?2% for ⁹⁵Mo, ?2 ～ ?1% for¹⁰¹Ru and 0 ～ 4% for ¹⁰³Rh.     

基于不同ENDF格式数据库的MCNP温度相关中子截面库研究

使用截面加工程序NJOY生成以针对最新释放的ENDF/B-VII和CENDL-3.1评价核数据截面库为基础库的2个ACE格式的温度相关中子截面库。使用压水堆多普勒数值基准题对生成的2个ACE格式截面库进行基准验算。验算结果表明,所生成的2个温度截面库在有效增殖系数、多普勒反应性亏损、多普勒反应性系数方面均与原基准题吻合良好,说明评价核数据截面库ENDF/B-VII和CENDL-3.1能很好地应用于ACE格式的截面库的制作。     

Analyses with latest major nuclear data libraries of the fission rate ratios for several TRU nuclides in the FCA-IX experiments

In the 1980s, a series of integral experiments was conducted in FCA-IX assemblies with systematically changed neutron spectra covering from the intermediate to fast ones. The experiments provide systematic data of central fission rates for TRU nuclides containing minor actinides, ²³⁷Np, ²³⁸Pu, ²³⁹Pu, ²⁴²Pu, ²⁴¹Am, ²⁴³Am, and ²⁴⁴Cm. Regarding the fission rate ratios relative to ²³⁹Pu, benchmark models had been recently developed for validation of nuclear data for the TRU's fission cross sections. In this paper, the latest major nuclear data libraries, JENDL-4.0, ENDF/B-VII.1, and JEFF-3.2, are compared on the benchmark models. For the libraries, the analyses by a Monte Carlo calculation code show obvious overestimations particularly for the fission rate ratios of ²⁴⁴Cm to ²³⁹Pu. Additionally, a large discrepancy about by 20% between the libraries is revealed for the fission rate ratio of ²³⁸Pu to ²³⁹Pu measured in the intermediate neutron spectrum. The causes of discrepancies are furthermore clarified by sensitivity analyses.     

基于OpenMC的多群截面库制作及有效性验证

OpenMC是麻省理工大学计算反应堆物理组开发的开源蒙特卡罗程序,能够方便地制作适用于特定堆芯中子能谱分布的多群反应截面及高阶勒让德散射截面以用于离散坐标输运程序ANISN的计算。本文基于ENDF/B-Ⅶ.1和CENDL-3.1评价数据库,利用OpenMC计算制作了ANSIN格式的多群截面并通过基准题的计算验证计算结果的准确性。通过截面转换程序的编写,将OpenMC给出的堆芯各阶勒让德散射分量,堆芯中子能谱分布,散射、吸收反应率以及裂变中子产生速率等信息转换为ANISN程序可读取的截面库格式。采用制作的截面库利用ANINS计算有效中子增殖因子及堆芯中子通量分布。结果表明,ANISN确定论的计算结果与OpenMC给出的蒙特卡罗计算结果相吻合,验证了这种方法可有效地为ANISN提供截面数据,将来可推广应用于二维、三维确定论中子输运计算。     

Benchmark models for criticalities of FCA-IX assemblies with systematically changed neutron spectra

New benchmark models with respect to criticality data are established on the basis of seven uranium-fueled assemblies constructed in the ninth experimental series at the fast critical assembly (FCA) facility. By virtue of these FCA-IX assemblies, where the simple combinations of uranium fuel and diluent (graphite and stainless steel) in their core regions were systematically varied, the neutron spectra of these benchmark models cover those of various reactor types, from fast to sub-moderated reactors. The sample calculations of the benchmark models by a continuous-energy Monte Carlo (MC) code showed obvious differences between even the latest versions of two major nuclear data libraries, JENDL-4.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1. The present benchmark models would be well suited for the assessment and improvement of the nuclear data for ²³⁵U, ²³⁸U, graphite, and stainless steel. In addition, the verification of the deterministic method was performed on the benchmark models by comparison with the MC calculations. The present benchmark models are also available to users of deterministic calculation codes for the assessment and improvement of nuclear data.     

Analysis of the SPERT-III E-Core experiment using CASMO5/TRACE/PARCS based on JENDL-4.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1

An analysis of the Special Power Excursion Test III E-Core experiment was performed in order to confirm the calculation accuracy of the light-water-reactor core analysis code system, constructed by the authors, of the CASMO5 and the TRACE/PARCS for the reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) analysis. The influence of the resonance up-scatter model (RUM) and the effective Doppler temperature model (EDTM) in the CASMO5 on the Doppler reactivity feedback effect was also discussed through the comparison with the conventional calculation without those models and the perturbation calculation of the Doppler reactivity coefficient. The calculation results by the CASMO5/TRACE/PARCS mostly showed good agreement with the experimental data within the range of experimental uncertainty, which confirmed the calculation accuracy of the analysis code system for the RIA analysis. In the calculation, the JENDL-4.0 and the ENDF/B-VII.1 were used, however, obvious difference was not seen in the calculation results between the two nuclear data libraries. The influence of the RUM on the core parameters was less than that of the 10% increment of Doppler reactivity coefficient on the conventional calculation. The influence of the EDTM became large on the cold condition, which was the same tendency on the Doppler reactivity coefficient discussed in the previous studies.     

Dependence of Fast Reactor Fuel Burnup Characteristics on Nuclear Data Libraries

In the framework of the development of burnup calculation method for commercial fast reactors, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to clarify the dependence of fuel burnup characteristics on nuclear data libraries (NDLs). The following NDLs were compared: JEF-2.2, ENDF/B-VI Release 5, JENDL-3.2 and JENDL-3.3. The NDL-dependence of material balance for main heavy metal nuclides (²³⁵U, ²³⁸U, ²³⁹Pu, ²⁴⁰Pu and ²⁴¹Pu) was small, since the number densities at the end of one-cycle burnup did not change over 1 or 2% among the above-mentioned libraries. Relatively large differences were found for minor actinide nuclides, especially for ²³⁶U, ²³⁷Np, ^242mAm, ²⁴³Am and curium isotopes. The number densities for these nuclides after burning up showed remarkable NDL-dependence over 5% through 50%. A burnup sensitivity analysis system based on the generalized perturbation theory enabled us to find out quantitatively the causative nuclides and reactions, as well as their energy regions.     

MCNP程序用热中子散射数据制作和检验

基于ENDF/B-Ⅶ.0评价库,以前已陆续研制了可供MCNP程序使用的连续截面库,以及多套多个温度、多组邦达连柯背景截面修正的多群参数库。本文采用NJOY程序以及ENDF/B-Ⅶ.0评价库热散射子库,完成了MCNP程序使用热中子散射数据库S(α,β)的制作和检验。比较了自制库与MCNP自带基于ENDF/B-Ⅵ版热散射数据库(sab2002),对改进较明显的重要介质“轻水中氢”和“重水中氘”给出了分析说明。通过48个基准装置k_eff计算结果可看出,MCNP程序自带热中子散射库sab2002与自制库thb70计算的k_eff整体上偏差不大,k_eff平均偏差约65pcm。     

Summary on international benchmark experiments for effective delayed neutron fraction (βeff)

To improve the accuracy of prediction of β_eff, an international program of benchmark experiments was planned. This program consisted of two parts; the BERENICE-MASURCA and the FCA XIX series of experiments. The former was carried out in the fast critical facility MASURCA of CEA, FRANCE between 1993 and 1994. The latter one was carried out in the FCA, JAERI between 1995 and 1998. In these benchmark experiments, various experimental techniques were applied to measure the β_eff. Through the synthesis of the different results, a recommended value for each core was provided and the accuracy of the measurements was evaluated to be better than 3%. The calculations showed good agreement of the recommended β_eff values within 3% for JENDL-3.2 and ENDF/B-VI delayed neutron data sets.     

Trend in criticality calculation results of borated-water-moderation experimental cores relating to 10B(n, α) cross section

ABSTRACT

In connection with the accuracy of the ¹⁰B(n, α) cross section in the thermal- and epithermal-neutron energy regions, criticality calculation results were examined for six benchmark sets of light-water-moderation critical experiments of UO₂ and MOX fuel lattice cores with un-borated and borated water. Two of the benchmark sets were those implemented in the Tank-Type Critical Assembly (TCA). The others were taken from the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (ICSBEP), and the International Handbook of Evaluated Reactor Physics Benchmark Experiments (IRPhEP). The enrichments of the UO₂ fuel range from 1.9 wt% to 2.6 wt%, and the Pu contents of the MOX fuel do from 2.0 to 6.6 wt%. The boron concentrations in water are up to 1511 ppm. The effective neutron multiplication factors (k_eff ) were taken from the published documents. They were calculated with continuous-energy Monte Carlo calculation codes in combination with JENDL-4.0, and other evaluated nuclear data libraries. It was confirmed that the k_eff values of the critical cores increased with the boron concentrations, which indicates that the ¹⁰B(n, α) cross section in the thermal- and epithermal-neutron energy regions should be larger than those in JENDL-4.0 and other libraries.     

Performance of the CENDL-3.2 and other major neutron data libraries for criticality calculations

Nuclear data are the cornerstones of reactor physics and shielding calculations.Recently,China released CENDL-3.2 in 2020,and the US released ENDF/B-Ⅷ.0 in 2018.Therefore,it is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the criticality computing performance of these newly released evaluated nuclear libraries.In this study,we used the NJOY2016 code to generate ACE format libraries based on the latest neutron data libraries（including CENDL-3.2,JEFF3.3,ENDF/B-Ⅷ.0,and JENDL4.0）.The MCNP code was used to ...     

Estimation of 239Pu independent and cumulative fission product yields from the chain yield data using a Bayesian technique

The independent and cumulative fission product yields (FPYs) are obtained by using the Bayesian technique based on the evaluated mass chain yield, where required constraints such as the normalization can be straightforwardly included. We apply this technique to the ²³⁹Pu FPY data at neutron incident energies of 0.5, 2.0, and 14 MeV, where the most updated mass chain yield ENDF/B-VII.1 data are available. The obtained yield data are compared with the evaluated values by England and Rider in ENDF/B-VI, and differences from their values are investigated. We show that the modern decay data used, such as branching ratios to ground and metastable states, cause differences in the evaluated individual and cumulative fission yields.     

Calculation of Prompt Fission Product Average Cross Sections for Neutron-Induced Fission of 235U and 239Pu

Yield-weighted average cross sections of neutron radiative capture, (n,2n), and (n,3n) reactions over prompt fission products (FPs) from ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu are calculated. The prompt fission production yields are taken from the ENDF/B-VII.0 library. The FPs for each fissile material exist over a range of approximately 1000 neutron-rich nuclides. Several nuclear reaction codes are utilized for calculating the cross sections on each individual fission product—EMPIRE-2.19, TALYS-1.0, GNASH, and CoH. The influence of the FP isomers on the average cross sections is examined with TALYS. We investigate the dependence of the average cross sections on the number of FPs taken for averaging. It is shown that the average capture cross section is much more sensitive to the number of FPs included, compared with the (n,2n) and (n,3n) reactions. An intercomparison of the calculated cross sections with the different reaction codes is carried out. In the capture reaction, EMPIRE predicted lower cross section than TALYS and CoH owing to different default assumptions used in the γ-ray strength function modeling. Moreover, the preequilibrium models implemented in each code give different predictions for the neutron-emission reactions, although the differences are relatively small. We also discuss a difference between the macroscopic and microscopic calculation options in TALYS for the pre-equilibrium model, optical potential model, and γ-ray strength function. The predictive capability of the reaction codes for the capture reaction is examined by comparing their calculations with the ENDF data, which are based on measurements. Compared with the historic Foster and Arthur's evaluation, our new (n,2n) predictions are similar, although our capture predictions are almost an order of magnitude higher. Recommended cross sections for use in applications have been tabulated in ENDF-formatted files.     

Bamboo-Lattice程序多群截面数据库的改进

本文基于ENDF/B-Ⅶ.0核评价数据库,利用核数据加工处理程序NJOY及LATTICE_PRE为Bamboo-Lattice程序研制了一套改进后的多群截面数据库NECL2.0。基于基准题和数值分析的结果表明：采用NECL2.0数据库计算得到的燃料组件的k_inf、裂变率分布、少群均匀化截面与参考解均吻合很好;考虑银铟镉共振对k_inf的计算精度可提高近1000 pcm,与参考解相比最大裂变率相对偏差从-0.97%降低到-0.53%;考虑包壳锆的共振对k_inf的计算精度可提高约60 pcm。     

An Eulerian MHD model for the analysis of magnetic flux compression by expanding diamagnetic fusion plasma sphere

The process of magnetic flux compression (MFC) inside a solenoid by expanding diamagnetic plasma sphere produced by an inertial fusion micro-explosions and its application as a direct energy conversion scheme to convert a part of plasma kinetic energy into pulsed electrical energy has been recently reported [1]. For a detailed analysis of this concept, an Eulerian multi-material MHD model is developed using magnetic vector potential formulation for electro-magnetic field calculations and classical volume-of-fluid method for material interface tracking. The diffusion term in the magnetic induction equation is solved implicitly while the advection terms are computed using a second-order MUSCL scheme. An iteration procedure using ADI scheme is used for the free space field calculation. In this paper, we describe the details of the new MHD model, its validation against the semi-analytical solutions (for magnetic Reynolds number ?1) of magnetic convective-diffusion equations and application to explore the concept of MFC by expanding plasma sphere. The simulation results show that the algorithm is capable of handling complex plasma dynamics inside the MFC system. Also, the results indicate the development and the evolution of MRT like instability near the stagnation point. The magnetic field diffusion into the plasma during the expansion phase is found to be negligible.