Monte Carlo simulation analysis of integral data measured in the SCK-CEN/ENEA experimental campaign on the TAPIRO fast reactor. Experimental and calculated data comparison

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design 2014-07, Vol.273, p.350-358
• Main Authors: Burgio, N., Cretara, L., Frullini, M., Gandini, A., Peluso, V., Santagata, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Cross sections; Mathematical models; Monte Carlo methods; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear power generation; Nuclear reactor components; Nuclear reactors
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.03.040

•We develop a MCNPX model of the TAPIRO fast research reactor.•The model has been tested against the result of a late experimental champaign finding on overall agreement.•The source of uncertainties in the nuclear data and in the model assumptions has been discussed.•The model is sufficiently accurate to design irradiation experiment in support to R&D activities on LFR and ADS systems. After Fukushima events, the Italian nuclear program has been redefined leaving space only to activities related to Generation IV nuclear systems. Accordingly with this renewed national scenario, TAPIRO fast reactor facility is gaining a relatively major strategic role. A program is in fact being proposed to host in TAPIRO benchmark experimental activities related to the development of Lead fast reactor and Accelerator Driven Systems. A first step of this program would consist on the validation of neutronic codes, cross section data and reactor models to be adopted for its analysis. Along this line in this work the results of a simulation study has been made relevant to the measurements performed in the SCK-CEN/ENEA experimental campaign carried out in the 1980–1986 period. The calculations have been made using the Monte Carlo MCNPX 2.7.0 Code. In this article the main results are presented and discussed, with particular emphasis on the uncertainties, relevant both to nuclear data and the model layout. The results of this simulation study indicate in particular that TAPIRO's MCNPX model is adequate for the optimization of set-ups of perspective neutron irradiation experiments, this allowing cuts in costs and development time.