Sensitivity- and Uncertainty-Based Criticality Safety Validation Techniques

The theoretical basis for the application of sensitivity and uncertainty (S/U) analysis methods to the validation of benchmark data sets for use in criticality safety applications was developed. Sensitivity analysis produce energy-dependent sensitivity coefficients that give the relative change in the system multiplication factor k_eff value as a function of relative changes in the cross-section data by isotope, reaction and energy. Integral indices that utilize the sensitivity information to quantify similarities between pairs of systems, typically a benchmark experiment and design system, were developed. Uncertainty analysis provide an estimate of the uncertainties in the calculated values of the system k_eff.