Abstract
The GUINEVERE project in the 6th European Framework Program (FP6) (1) aimed to check the methods for sub-criticality monitoring. To execute the project, the water- moderated thermal VENUS facility was modified into the lead fast VENUS-F facility in the period 2007-2010. To prove the reliability of the reactivity monitoring methods, first of all a critical reference configuration was assembled and characterized by measurements of criticality, power distribution, and spectral indexes. These experiments were communicated for benchmarking at ISRD-14 (2). The Monte Carlo MCNP 5-1.60 code with the JEFF 3.1.2 data library is used to perform simulations of the VENUS-F core, in particular to obtain Calculated-to-Experimental ratios (C/E) for fission rates and spectral indices. A sensitivity study is performed focusing on the impact of global and local parameters on C/E. In most cases C/E is close to unity within the uncertainties. Only a few exceptions were found, e.g. for the F28/F25 spectral index (3). In order to investigate the discrepancies, a new measurement campaign with the same critical configuration was included in the currently ongoing FREYA project in FP7 (4). The facility status, experimental plans, and the sensitivity study are presented in this paper.
Highlights
The GUINEVERE (Generator of Uninterrupted Intense NEutrons at the lead VEnus REactor) Project [1] was launched in 2006 within the framework of the FP6 IP-EUROTRANS program, devoted to feasibility studies for Accelerator Driven Systems envisaged in partitioning and transmutation strategies
A sensitivity study is performed focusing on the impact of global and local parameters on Calculated-to-Experimental ratios (C/E)
In most cases C/E is close to unity within the uncertainties
Summary
The GUINEVERE (Generator of Uninterrupted Intense NEutrons at the lead VEnus REactor) Project [1] was launched in 2006 within the framework of the FP6 IP-EUROTRANS program, devoted to feasibility studies for Accelerator Driven Systems envisaged in partitioning and transmutation strategies. After the modification of the facility, the GUINEVERE project started with measurements in 2011 at the fast critical reference configuration called CR0. This core was loaded with enriched uranium and solid lead and had a solid lead reflector. A sensitivity study is performed focusing on the impact of global and local parameters on C/E These studies include the influence of the air gaps between assemblies, the VENUS-F barite concrete bunker, and the impurities in the reflector zone. The facility status, experimental plans, and the sensitivity study are presented in this paper
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