Determination of adjusted neutron spectra in different MUSE configurations by unfolding techniques

Investigations of spectrum adjustment by unfolding techniques for different locations of critical and driven subcritical MUSE4 configurations are presented. The current analysis is based on the recent accomplishment of specific foil activation measurements and on the use of the unfolding code STAY'SL in conjunction with IRDF-90 and IRDF-2002 dosimetry libraries. Specific developments have been conducted to consider the uncertainties associated with the determination of the experimental absolute reaction rates and the initial calculated spectrum in the most realistic manner. In this context, the iterative adjustment process for the neutron spectrum is established on the basis of variance/covariance matrices defined for the three types of input parameters, i.e., the experimental reaction rates, the initial spectrum, and the dosimetry nuclear data files. The results highlight the spectral variations between different locations of the MUSE4 cores, in particular the characteristic behavior of a subcritical configuration driven by an external T(d,n)He 4 (14 MeV neutrons) source. Copyright 2006 by ASTM International.