Enhancement of a subcritical experimental facility via MCNP simulations

This article emphasizes the latest validations of this simulation model against the most recently available laboratory measurements of neutron flux distributions and subcritical neutron multiplication factors, while illustrating a unique feature of this facility which enables experimentalists to carry out step by step measurements, and the corresponding simulations, while the core is being loaded and unloaded. Furthermore, additional simulations are herein included to evaluate the impact of different moderator and reflector arrangements upon core reactivity, including a few combinations of heavy water and/or beryllium, primarily as a venue for researchers to begin studying potential upgrades or changes to the current design.