Impact of nuclear data uncertainties on the incineration of 237Np and 241Am targets

Abstract

In this work, we have explored the impact of nuclear data uncertainties on the incineration of 237Np and 241Am targets and on the evolution of correlated safety quantities such as alpha and spontaneous fission activities and radiotoxicity. These studies were performed in three representative neutron flux spectra: EFR (fast reactor), GT-MHR (moderated reactor) and HTFR (thermal reactor). In order to get a common scale of comparison between these scenarios, the simulations were based on given incineration rate rather than irradiation time. Afterwards, the dominant contributors to alpha and spontaneous fission activities and radiotoxicity were identified in each case and the impact of nuclear data uncertainties on the formation of these isotopes was assessed. Finally, data which have the highest contributions were highlighted and their multi-group errors were detailed as a function of energy, to show on which energetic domains future measurements have to be focused on.