Benchmark models and experimental data for a U(20)-polyethylene-moderated critical system

Douglas G. Bowen, Larry Wetzel, Robert Busch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This work involves the analysis of recent experiments performed on the Aerojet General Nucleonics (AGN)-201M (AGN) polyethylene-moderated research reactor at the University of New Mexico (UNM). The experiments include 36 delayed critical (DC) configurations and 11 positive-period and rod-drop measurements (transient sequences). The Even Parity Neutron Transport (EVENT) radiation transport code was chosen to analyze these steady state and time-dependent experimental configurations. The UNM AGN specifications provided in a benchmark calculation report (2007) were used to initiate AGN EVENT model development and to test the EVENT AGN calculation methodology. The results of the EVENT DC experimental analyses compared well with the experimental data; the average AGN EVENT calculation bias in the keff is -0.0048% for the Legrendre Flux Expansion Order of 11 (P11) cases and +0.0119% for the P13 cases. The EVENT transient analysis also compared well with the AGN experimental data with respect to predicting the reactor period and control rod worth values. This paper discusses the benchmark models used, the recent experimental configurations, and the EVENT experimental analysis.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICNC 2015 - International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages1295-1307
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9780894487231
StatePublished - 2015
Event2015 International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety, ICNC 2015 - Charlotte, United States
Duration: Sep 13 2015Sep 17 2015

Publication series

NameICNC 2015 - International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety

Conference

Conference2015 International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety, ICNC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlotte
Period09/13/1509/17/15

Keywords

  • Benchmark
  • Reactor
  • Research reactor
  • Transient

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Benchmark models and experimental data for a U(20)-polyethylene-moderated critical system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this