JADE, a new software tool for nuclear fusion data libraries verification & validation

Abstract

• Automatic verification and validation of nuclear data libraries. • Benchmarks for cross sections verification. • Fusion related nuclear data libraries verification and validation. • Spotting inconsistencies and errors in cross sections. Nuclear data improvement is a key objective in the nuclear field and, in particular, for fusion application. Due to their complex production process, new nuclear library releases must undergo systematic and extensive Verification and Validation (V&V) procedures. A novel software tool, JADE, is presented in this work. Its aim is to lead the path to a full standardization and automatization of V&V processes for neutron-gamma Monte Carlo transport for fusion applications, as well as saving substantial user time and avoid error-prone editing operations. JADE is a Python 3 based software that will be able to automatically run and post-process an exhaustive suite of computational and experimental benchmarks, together with the incorporation of pre-existing quality checks strategies. A first computational benchmark, the Leakage Sphere benchmark, has been implemented, a series of nuclear libraries were tested with it and the results have been discussed. The capability of JADE for spotting anomalies in the cross sections has been conclusively proven by being able to highlight inconsistencies already documented in the related literature. Moreover, some previously unknown anomalies have been identified and discussed, giving evidence of JADE’s applicability for the validation of future nuclear libraries releases. Finally, future developments and objectives are discussed.