Towards validation of criticality calculations for systems with MOX powders

A series of experiments referred to as BFS/MOX was conducted in the BFS-1 experimental facility at IPPE, Russia. The program was designed to provide a basis for validation of criticality calculations for MOX fuel manufacturing processes and particularly those with low-moderated MOX fissile material. An extensive experimental program was performed, including criticality and reactor-type parameter measurements. The experiments were evaluated, peer reviewed, and analyzed with various codes and cross section data. The criticality validation study was performed employing a sensitivity/uncertainty technique based on the generalized linear least squares method. This paper briefly describes the experimental program, shows different tools’ performance when calculating criticality for the BFS/MOX configurations, and focuses upon the validation study and results for generic applications with weapons-grade plutonium.