Computational and Experimental Analysis of Pu, Np, Am, Cm Reaction Rates on BFS Critical Benches

Abstract

A computational and experimental analysis is presented of a systematized and reconsidered series of experimental studies of the absolute fission rate of Pu, Np, Am, and Cm performed on the critical benches BFS-1, -2 in the period from 1990 to 2013. Twenty seven critical configurations are examined – models of the reactor core with different types of fuel and coolant. Previously obtained experimental values are re-examined according to more accurate methods of processing the results taking account of residual deformations of chambers and with the introduction of corrections for the efficiency of fragment detection (acts of fission in chambers). The computational models of the assemblies are supplemented by models for evaluating the ratio of the fission rates using non-analogical modeling algorithms. The matched set of experimental data and computational models can be used in diverse applied and fundamental problems.