The question of variance reduction within the source-iteration scheme of a Monte Carlo eigenvalue calculation is tackled. The trade-off point between improving the statistics of a local response whilst simultaneously not damaging excessively the fundamental mode, the source for the calculation of the local response in the next fission cycle, is found. It is realized that applying less normalizations, i.e. employing superhistories, is advantageous. Realistic test problems, both fast and thermal fission, with in- and ex-core local responses, are treated. There is a good agreement between the predicted and actual gain in efficiency. A single comparison with the classic formalism, based purely on shows large differences. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimizing variance reduction in Monte Carlo eigenvalue calculations that employ the source iteration approach This paper is dedicated to the memory of Lodovico Casalini (1955-2010) and of Carlo Artioli (1946-2014).

Burn, K.W.
2014-01-01

Abstract

The question of variance reduction within the source-iteration scheme of a Monte Carlo eigenvalue calculation is tackled. The trade-off point between improving the statistics of a local response whilst simultaneously not damaging excessively the fundamental mode, the source for the calculation of the local response in the next fission cycle, is found. It is realized that applying less normalizations, i.e. employing superhistories, is advantageous. Realistic test problems, both fast and thermal fission, with in- and ex-core local responses, are treated. There is a good agreement between the predicted and actual gain in efficiency. A single comparison with the classic formalism, based purely on shows large differences. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
2014
Variance reduction;Direct statistical approach;Monte Carlo;Source-iteration method;Eigenvalue
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12079/2423
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
social impact