Neutron Transport Simulations of RBMK Fuel Assembly Using Multigroup and Continuous Energy Data Libraries within the SCALE Code

Abstract

The neutron transport simulations of RBMK-1500 fuel assembly were performed using both multigroup and continuous energy data libraries available within the SCALE code system in order to validate its suitability for the estimation of RBMK neutronic characteristics. The resonance processing of cross section, involved in the preparation of the multigroup data library, has a significant impact on neutron transport calculations. Standard Dancoff factors (DFs) used for the heterogeneous geometry of RBMK fuel assembly are insufficient for the accurate estimation of resonance self-shielding. Thus, the SCALE module MCDancoff was used in this study to determine location-specific DFs. The results of RBMK-1500 fuel assembly simulations using standard and user-defined DFs were compared. In addition, the continuous energy (CE) cross-section data library was applied for the benchmark calculations. The impact of different nuclear data libraries on neutron transport simulations was tested as well. It was found out that the usage of the multigroup data libraries generates some deviation from the reference simulations obtained with CE libraries. The CE library based on the estimated ENDF/B-VII.1 data proved to be the best alternative for neutron transport simulations of RBMK fuel assembly.