First Research Coordination Meeting on Benchmark on CEFR Start-up Tests

This is the first Research Coordination Meeting (RCM) of the IAEA Collaborative Research Project (CRP) on Neutronics Benchmark of CEFR Start-up Tests.

The China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) proposed and presented this CRP to members of the IAEA Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors (TWG-FR) in May 2016. Endorsed by the 50th meeting of the TWG-FR in May 2017, this project will focus on neutronics benchmark analysis of start-up tests performed at the China Experimental Fast Reactor (CEFR) in 2010-2011. CEFR is a small size sodium cooled fast reactor (SFR) with a high neutron leakage core fuelled with uranium oxide and a stainless steel radial reflector. Neutronics Benchmark of CEFR Start-Up Tests will include evaluation of the criticality, control rod worth, reactivity effects, and neutron spectral characteristics. The recorded experimental data from the CEFR start-up will provide an excellent opportunity for validation of the physical models and neutronics simulation codes.

This CRP is aimed at improving Member States' fast reactor simulation analytical capabilities, international validation, and qualification of codes currently employed in the field of fast reactor neutronics.