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Uncertainty Quantification of Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum for n(0.5 MeV) + 239Pu

P. Talou, T. Kawano, D. G. Madland, A. C. Kahler, D. K. Parsons, M. C. White, R. C. Little, M. B. Chadwick

Nuclear Science and Engineering / Volume 166 / Number 3 / November 2010 / Pages 254-266

Technical Paper / dx.doi.org/10.13182/NSE09-10

Uncertainties associated with the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) of n(0.5 MeV) + 239Pu evaluated for the ENDF/B-VII.0 library are estimated using known experimental information and model parameter uncertainties in the framework of the Madland-Nix model. The model parameters used for the ENDF/B-VII.0 evaluation are also used in the present work. A covariance matrix is obtained, and its eigenvalues are estimated. Sampled spectra are then used in PARTISN transport simulations to infer the impact of PFNS uncertainties on the calculation of the multiplication factor keff in the Jezebel critical assembly. The present evaluated PFNS uncertainties lead to ˜0.24% uncertainty in the Jezebel keff. Finally, multigroup covariance matrices are produced in 33- and 590-group structures.