Development of a generalized perturbation theory model for uncertainty propagation in lattice cell codes

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The main objective of this research proposal consists of developing a procedure that can be used to propagate through the code DRAGON the uncertainties in basic nuclear data. A lattice cell code that includes such uncertainty analysis features will clearly represent a quantum step over the current analysis codes since one will then be able to evaluate the effect of uncertainties in the experimental nuclear data on global reactor operation parameter. The procedures for sensitivity coefficient evaluation we propose to develop will be based on a direct method but also on a Monte Carlo and a more efficient adjoint technique. This later method is based on the generalized perturbation theory (GPT) method already implemented in the code DRAGON. We will also address the problem of deriving a GPT approach to evaluate the sensitivity coefficients associated with the resonance self-shielding model programmed in DRAGON. Finally, a new cross section library that includes covariance matrices will be defined and implemented in DRAGON. This work will lead to improvements in the quality and versatility of the analysis tools that are used for reactor physics calculations in such a way that they can also satisfy the analysis needs of the next generations of reactors (Advanced CANDU and Generation IV). The fact that the errors limits in the precision of the core power distributions due to errors in the cross sections can be evaluated using these tools should reduce substantially the level of arbitrariness in reactor safety studies.