The role of experiments and of sensitivity analysis in simulation validation strategies with emphasis on reactor physics

The complementary role of experiments and of sensitivity analysis has been and still is a key feature of validation strategies used in the field of simulation tools for nuclear reactor design. The present paper gives a summary of the development of more and more sophisticated validation strategies up to the present trend for science-based validation approaches. Most examples and some very recent original developments are given, mostly in the field of neutronics that has traditionally provided cutting edge advances for simulation tools validation.

► Experimental validation key to reduce operational margins and design uncertainties. ► Validation strategies complementary to advanced simulation. ► Science-driven experiments, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis as new paradigm.