Computational validation of the fission rate distribution experimental benchmark at the JSI TRIGA Mark II research reactor using the Monte Carlo method. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Štancar, Žiga; Barbot, Loïc; Destouches, Christophe; Fourmentel, Damien; Villard, Jean-François; Snoj, Luka
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 112(2018)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: TRIGA reactor -- Miniature fission chamber -- Absolute fission rate -- Monte Carlo calculations -- Uncertainty analysis -- MCNP; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2017.09.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: An improved TRIGA research reactor thermal power calibration method with electrical heaters is presented. The heat capacity of the reactor pool is determined with various methods. The heat losses from the reactor tank are assessed experimentally and computationally. The total experimental uncertainty of the calibration method is evaluated. Abstract: A fission rate profile benchmark experiment has been performed at the Jožef Stefan Institute TRIGA Mark II reactor. The measurements were made using absolutely calibrated miniature fission chambers developed and manufactured by the Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives. The aim of the paper is to describe the experimental set-up, fission rate measurements and to present the detailed Monte Carlo computational model of the TRIGA reactor, which was constructed with as used to compute absolute fission rate distributions in the core at a fixed control rod position, taking into account the detailed description of the experimental configuration. The paper focuses on the extensive evaluation of experimental and calculational uncertainties and biases following the International Reactor Physics Experiment Evaluation Project methodology. A comparison between the measured and computed absolute reaction rates concludes the paper, with the agreement being within one sigma standard uncertainty.