Lessons Learned from the TOF-Benchmark Intercomparison Exercise Within EU CONRAD Project (How Not to Misinterpret a TOF Benchmark)

Several benchmark experiments performed in the past using the time-of-flight technique are stored in the SINBAD database distributed by the Nuclear Energy Agency Data Bank (e.g., OKTAVIAN, FNS, and IPPE benchmarks). These benchmarks proved to be useful for the validation of the computer codes and nuclear data evaluations, but some expertise is required from the users for the proper modeling and interpretation of the problems. The iron spheres experiment carried out in the 14-MeV facility at IPPE, Obninsk, Russia, was proposed as one of the problems in the scope of the Coordinated Network for Radiation Dosimetry (CONRAD) project sponsored by the European Commission within its 6th Framework Programme. The objective was to test the skills of the participants in the use of the computer codes and the nuclear data but also to obtain feedback information on how suitable the information contained in SINBAD is for the nowadays users and the computer codes. Outcomes of the intercomparison provide guidance for the future compilations in order to facilitate the use of the experimental data.