Speaker: C. Kahler (Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA)

Cross Section Testing with ICSBEP Benchmarks

Testing with simple critical benchmark experiments is an important component in the creation of qualified nuclear cross section data sets. Critical eigenvalues have been calculated for selected benchmarks from the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project Handbook. Trends in the calculated eigenvalues can be used to infer deficiencies in the underlying nuclear data. Results obtained for thermal benchmarks with historical (ENDF/B-IV, B-V and earlier versions of B-VI), current (ENBF/B-VI.8, JEFF-3.0 and JENDL-3.3) and future (pre-ENDF/B-VII) cross section evaluations will be discussed.