Critique of the Solid Angle Method.

摘要

The solid angle method provides an approximation for nuclear criticality safety analyses for fissile arrays. It was formulated for use with highly-enriched systems. This study was initiated to determine applicability of this method to low-enriched uranium systems,using as a standard for comparison analyses the KENO-IV code and the Hansen-Roach cross sections. The report identified many conditions for which a margin of safety does exist,using the solid angle method. The study also determined that some applications exist for which a safety margin does not exist,using common criteria,and has recommended additional criteria needed to assure safety margins. These additional criteria have not been tested extensively to assure generic applicability.