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At least 271 records · Page 15

Expansion of the ORNL VALID Library [Slides]

VALID continues as a library of high-quality models used for testing SCALE and nuclear data. Recent expansion of VALID was the largest impactful change in a decade. Adding 233 U experiments circa 2017 added more cases. There are a huge number of cases in the pipeline, but a lack of qualified staff and funding to complete reviews. Future plans should simplify the process and increase the availability of models and results for external users.

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Uses of Sensitivity/Uncertainty Techniques for Critical Experiment Design [Slides]

This presentation discusses the programming languages TSUNAMI and TSAR. It also provides a review of experimental designs using sensitivity analysis in regard to 7uPCX fuel design, fission product experiment analysis, MIRTE, and temperature dependent experiments at the Sandia Pulsed Reactor Facility (SPRF).

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MCNP ® Code Version 6.3.0 Build Guide

This is a build guide for the MCNP ® code, version 6.3.0, that expands upon the README.md included with the source code. It covers compilers, dependencies, building, testing, and installing the code in one of its supported configurations.

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Whisper Results of a PuCl "Solution" System Using LLNL TEX Cl Benchmark Model

This data set is to be shared with the Nuclear Criticality Safety Division (NCSD) at LLNL as part of a TEX Cl experiment. NCSD at LLNL shared the experimental model with the Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Division at LANL for comparison with an MCNP model of a PuCl application system. The experimental model was used in conjunction with Whisper to see how including it would impact the baseline USL for the PuCl application.

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Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to Identify Problematic Nuclear Data

In this work we aim to show that Machine learning algorithms are promising tools for the identification of nuclear data that contribute to increased errors in transport simulations. We demonstrate this through an application of a machine learning algorithm (Random Forest) to the Whisper/MCNP6 criticality validation library to identify nuclear data that are associated with an increase of the bias (simulated - experimental $k_{eff}$) in the calculations. Specifically, the $k_{eff}$ sensitivity profiles (w.r.t. nuclear data) of 233 U solution benchmarks are used to predict the bias and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) are used to explain how the sensitivities are related to the predicted bias. The SHAP values can be interpreted as sensitivity coefficients of the machine learning model to the $k_{eff}$ sensitivities which are used to make predictions of bias. Using the SHAP values we can identify specific subsets of nuclear data which have the highest probability of influencing bias. We demonstrate the utility of this method by showing how SHAP values were used to identify an inconsistency in the 19 F inelastic scattering nuclear data. The methodology presented here is not limited to transport problems and can be applied to other simulations if there are experimental measurements to compare against, simulations of those experimental measurements, and the ability to calculate sensitivities of the model output with respect to the data inputs.

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Updated Primers Generated for SCALE 6.2 for KENO V.a and KENO-VI [Slides]

Primers were developed and published for the use of the KENO V.a and KENO-VI codes in 2005 and 2008, respectively. These primers were both developed for SCALE 5 using the GeeWiz graphical user interface (GUI). Many new capabilities have been added to the transport codes since the release of these primers. The GUI was also changed to Fulcrum with the release of SCALE 6.2. For these reasons, updated versions of both primers were developed for a planned released in September 2020. The KENO V.a and KENO-VI codes are almost always run within the associated CSAS5 and CSAS6 sequences within SCALE, so the primers use the sequences and do not address running the codes in stand-alone mode.

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VALID Past, Present, and Future [Slides]

This presentation discusses the Verified, Archived Library of Inputs and Data (VALID) procedure which is managed per computational procedure under the overall SCALE quality assurance plan. The principle behind VALID is that two independent, qualified people prepare and review the model, while a dual, independent check acts as a primary barrier to prevent errors in the library. A final check by VALID QAC of procedural compliance is then performed. The future for VALID includes plans to add more experiments, a review for all ICSBEP cases containing Deuterium, ZEUS intermediate and fast spectrum evaluations, intermediate enrichment experiments, other cases of interest to sponsors, and mixed/intermediate spectrum experiments.

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Recent Testing of ENDF/B-VIII.0 at ORNL [Slides]

This presentation provides an overview of comparisons of ENDF/B-VII.1 and ENDF/B-VIII.0 and uses VALID suite to test >600 cases with ENDF/B-VII.1 and ENDF/B-VIII.0 in KENO V.a/KENO-VI, although a limited number of cases have been tested with TSUNAMI. It provides a results summary of KENO V.a/KENO-VI with a pooled results summary. The presentation also discusses changes for LCT experiments, MCT experiments, MST experiments, and PST experiments. A few words about graphite are also provided and the presentation states that graphite performance investigated across ENDF/B-VII.0, ENDF/B-VII.1, and ENDF/B-VIII.0 for MSR and HTGR models. A brief summary of the results is presented to make sure the Validation Committee is aware of the work. Also presented is an Eigenvalue comparison with a graphite moderated system, and comparison between an HTR-10 pebble model ENDF/B-VII.1 vs. ENDF/B-VIII.0, which provides different graphite data. In conclusion, ORNL has recently completed a comparison of ENDF/B-VIII.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1 using the VALID library. Work is also being performed for advanced reactor applications. Other efforts on-going and they are also trying to investigate more intermediate spectrum cases.

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MCNP ® Code Version 6.3.0 Verification & Validation Testing

This report describes the verification and validation testing performed on MCNP ® code version 6.3.0. The purpose of this report is to act as a compendium of test suite descriptions and results. Accordingly the document is divided into two parts. Part I (this part) describes each test suite in the following sections. Part II provides the results of testing each suite and comparisons to experimental and/or alternative computational results, as appropriate.

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Status of FUDGE [Slides]

This presentation discusses the nuclear data management code FUDGE (For Updating Data and Generating Evaluations). While FUDGE is designed to support GNDS, the presentation also states that ENDF-6 and ENDL data files are also supported but must first be translated into GNDS; translators are included with FUDGE. It also states that FUDGE supports plotting, manipulating, checking for physical content, resonance reconstruction, Doppler broadening, etc. FUDGE also supports processing for Monte Carlo and deterministic transport. FUDGE is open source, and the latest public release was FUDGE-4.2.3 with support for GNDS-1.9. In summation, FUDGE capabilities include translating older formats into GNDS, translating GNDS back to ENDF-6, and visualizing, modifying, checking, and processing GNDS data. It also states that a new version of FUDGE is coming soon. The plan is to support GNDS-2.0 specification, but it may be released sooner if v2.0 is delayed.

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SCALE Newsletter (Number 52, Spring 2020)

SCALE Newsletter is published by the Reactor and Nuclear Systems Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This issue, number 52 from Spring of 2020, holds information about the current state, planned updates, and previews of the SCALE system designed and maintained by ORNL staff. This issue contains employee spotlights for Dr. Kursat Bekar as well as Dr. Andrew M. Holcomb and displays data and charts from new/updated features of SCALE such as new data libraries, Fulcrum 3D visualizations, and interactions with ENDF/B-VIII.0 data.

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Frequent Fulcrum Functions: The Basics of SCALE’s Graphical User Interface [Slides]

This tutorial introduces the Fulcrum graphical user interface and the basic functions that enhance the common activities of creating, editing, navigating, executing, and visualizing SCALE input files. This tutorial will help you become familiar with the Fulcrum input file text editor and the integrated input development environment features of autocompletion, automatic checking, cursor context, and input navigation. In addition, the Fulcrum and SCALE runtime environment will be reviewed to improve the understanding of job execution workflow. This tutorial does not cover data and geometry plotting. Please see the Advanced User Interface Capabilities tutorial for details regarding plotting data and geometry. No prior experience with SCALE is required. You can follow along using SCALE 6.2 or 6.3-beta.

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Crossing the Streams – Sampler and the TemplateEngine [Slides]

This presentation discusses Sampler, which is a versatile UQ and parametric study tool that can be applied to any SCALE Sequence. Sampler can perturb any quantity in any SCALE input. Recent work at ORNL has developed new types of covariance data that allow Sampler UQ to be applied to nearly all SCALE applications, including reactor depletion, UNF fuel characterization, source term analysis, and decay heat calculation. In SCALE 6.2 releases, CE data in transport cannot be perturbed. Sampler was originally designed for stochastic sampling with any sequence within SCALE and Parametric capability added in SCALE 6.2.2. Sampler can be used for uncertainty quantification, including sample data in static or depletion calculations and sample inputs for uncertainties in compositions and dimensions. The SCALE TemplateEngine allows for expanding templates to full inputs and the combination provides a powerful UQ tool.

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Performing k eff Validation of As-Loaded Criticality Safety Calculations Using UNF-ST&DARDS: Applicable Experiment Selection [Slides]

This presentation discusses the UNF-ST&DARDS which performs many analyses for as-loaded SNF canisters, including criticality safety, shielding, thermal-hydraulic, and containment. It also discusses the experiment selection based on c k assessment of similarity and that the c k value of 0.8 or greater considered applicable for validation. 11 PWR SNF canisters (MPC-32) are used in this work. 1 model represents a failed fuel assembly as fresh, per the design basis and the remaining 10 models represent all 32 assemblies with depleted fuel. In conclusion, critical experiment selection can be performed with S/U techniques for as-loaded canisters in UNF-ST&DARDS. Sufficient benchmark experiments exist to support validation and additional MOX experiments that are a good match for commercial SNF would be a benefit to provide independent data. The presentations states that S/U techniques identify different pools of experiments for different systems and that the process is amenable to automation within UNF-ST&DARDS.

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MCNP ® Code V.6.3.0 Release Notes

The Monte Carlo N-Particle ® (MCNP ® ) code is a general-purpose, continuous-energy, generalized geometry, time-dependent, radiation transport code developed by the MCNP development team. The MCNP calculations provide predictive capabilities that can replace expensive or impossible-to perform experiments. Specific application problems include simulations of experimental diagnostics, intrinsic radiation, radiation detection and measurement, criticality safety, nuclear threat reduction and response, radiation health protection, nuclear weapons effects, and nuclear forensics. This MCNP code, version 6.3.0, follows the MCNP6.2.0 version. Since the release of MCNP6.2.0, many changes have been made to the MCNP code. These changes include new or improved features, a new build system, code enhancement and modernization, and bug fixes. The MCNP code, version 6.3.0, theory and user input information is documented in MCNP ® Code Version 6.3.0 Theory & User Manual, the build guidance for various platforms is documented in MCNP ® Code Version 6.3.0 Build Guide, and the verification and validation testing for various application benchmark test suites is documented in MCNP ® Code Version 6.3.0 Verification & Validation Testing.

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