Using Updated Nuclear Data Libraries to Model the Subcritical Yalina Thermal Experimental Setup
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g Updated Nuclear Data Libraries to Model the Subcritical Yalina Thermal Experimental Setup T. N. Korbuta, I. A. Edchika, A. V. Kuzmina, and M. O. Kravchenkoa, * a
Joint Institute for Power and Nuclear Research (Sosny), National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220109 Belarus *e-mail: [email protected] Received May 11, 2020; revised June 2, 2020; accepted June 26, 2020
Abstract—Current experimental and computational studies of the Yalina subcritical setup are reviewed. The main characteristics of the Yalina Thermal facility and its neutron physics parameters are given. Computer modeling of the experimental setup is done using the Monte Carlo MCU-PD and MCNP codes for neutron physics and the updated ENDF/b-VIII, JENDL 4.0, and JEFF 3.3 nuclear data libraries. Rates of the transmutation reaction for 129I, 237Np, and 241Am in experimental channels are calculated. DOI: 10.3103/S1062873820100147
INTRODUCTION The matter of dealing with nuclear waste is now becoming especially topical due to a considerable increase in the fraction of nuclear power in the world’s electric power generation and the problems of the open nuclear fuel cycle (NFC). A promising way of solving the problem of the accumulation of long-lived radiotoxic nuclear fission products and minor actinides is to use reactions of transmutation. High-energy accelerator-driven subcritical (ADS) systems are used to convert undesired radionuclides into short-lived or stable nuclei [1]. An advantage of this technology is its nuclear safety, which is achieved by operating it in the stable subcritical mode. Despite the considerable theoretical basis, the problem of selecting the optimum neutron spectrum for transmutation remains relevant. Fundamental aspects of the ADS-system technology are reflected in theoretical works, but few experimental studies have been devoted to investigating and developing such systems. The available experimental and theoretical data also have certain flaws, related to (among other things) the poor accuracy of the data on the cross sections of neutron interaction in the wide range of energies used in making the measurements and calculations. A new round of experimental and computational investigations began after the opening of the ENDF B/VIII [2] nuclear data library and the updated JENDL4.0 [3] and JEFF3.3 libraries [4]. Experimental and theoretical research is now under way on the Yalina subcritical setup at the Joint Institute for Power and Nuclear Research (SOSNY) of the Belarus National Academy of Sciences. Yalina is a uranium–polyethylene assembly with external sources
of neutrons (an NG-12-1 neutron generator or a 252Cf isotope source). Earlier works were aimed at determining the neutron physics characteristics of the core, the distribution of the neutron field, and the rates of nuclear reactions in the experimental channels [5, 6]. YALINA THERMAL SUBCRITICAL SETUP The Yalina nuclear research facility is designed to study the kinetics of subcritical systems and the feasibility of the transmutation of long-lived produc
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