The HTR-Proteus Benchmark: Analysis and Use as a Verification and Validation Case

Ercanbrack, Spencer Charles [Idaho National Laboratory]; Calvin, Olin W [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000195600356)

DOE OSTI · 3374954

The HTR-Proteus Benchmark: Analysis and Use as a Verification and Validation Case

Ercanbrack, Spencer Charles [Idaho National Laboratory]·Calvin, Olin W [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000195600356)

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Abstract

This presentation outlines the evaluation and application of the HTR-Proteus benchmark as a verification and validation (V&V) case for advanced reactor modeling tools. The work supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s HALEU Availability Program (HAP) and the joint DOE/NRC DNCSH project, which aims to reduce criticality safety uncertainties in commercial-scale HALEU fuel cycle and transportation systems. The HTR-Proteus experiments, conducted at the Paul Scherrer Institute, provide high-fidelity data for TRISO-fueled, graphite-moderated pebble bed reactors with high neutron leakage—conditions relevant to HALEU transport scenarios. This study focuses on Cores 4.2 and 4.3 of the HTR-Proteus benchmark, analyzing key sources of uncertainty including pebble packing, TRISO particle positioning, and core height. Using Project Chrono for realistic pebble geometries and Serpent, SHIFT, and MCNP for neutronics simulations, the study quantifies the impact of these uncertainties on the effective multiplication factor (keff). Results show that a sample size of 110 pebble configurations is sufficient to converge keff, with ±30 pcm uncertainty due to packing randomness. TRISO positioning and core height variations also significantly influence keff, highlighting the importance of detailed modeling in V&V efforts. The benchmark serves as a valuable test case for validating the Griffin reactor physics code and improving confidence in HALEU system simulations.

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73 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS Analysis and Methods Benchmark Gas Cooled Reactor Graphite HALEU HTR-Proteus NRC Pebble Bed Reactor Reactor Physics Sensitivity Analysis Transportation Uncertainty Quantification Verification and Validation

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Ercanbrack, Spencer Charles [Idaho National Laboratory], Calvin, Olin W [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000195600356). 2025-09-04. The HTR-Proteus Benchmark: Analysis and Use as a Verification and Validation Case. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3374954

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