New calculational method of sensitivity coefficients of cell parameters and its application.

Abstract

A new method has been established to calculate sensitivity coefficients of cell parameters based on generalized perturbation theory using the collision probability method. The proposed method does not require the calculation of the changes of collision probabilities due to cross section changes, so it is as powerful as the commonly used generalized perturbation theory in diffusion theory, We demonstrate the validity of the method by comparing the calculated sensitivity coefficients with those obtained from the direct cell calculations. AS an application, we calculate the sensitivity coefficients of neutronic properties in cells with different moderator to fuel volume ratios, and discuss the physical meaning of the difference between the sensitivity coefficients.