GROTESQUE: Complex Geometric Arrangement of Unreflected HEU (93.15) Metal Pieces

Gorham, Mackenzie L. ; Bess, John D.

Idaho National Laboratory

关键词: Steels;    Criticality;    Or-Cef Reactor;    Dimensions;    Heu;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1042364
RP-ID  :  INL/EXT-12-24628
RP-ID  :  DE-AC07-05ID14517
RP-ID  :  1042364

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The GROTESQUE experiments were designed specifically to develop and test neutronics for the GEOM subroutine of the 05R code. Two complex arrangements of various highly enriched uranium metal cylinders, rectangular parallelepipeds, and spheres were arranged in a circular formation on a steel diaphragm. A centerpiece was raised remotely through a hole in the steel diaphragm to achieve criticality. The first arrangement consisted of five major units, each major unit consisting of a stack of smaller uranium pieces. The second arrangement utilized nine major units, again consisting of stacks of smaller uranium pieces. The 9-unit arrangement is the only experiment discussed in this evaluation, since the five stack experiment never achieved criticality. The 9-unit arrangement is shown in Figure 1.1. The experiments were performed at the Oak Ridge Critical Experiments Facility (ORCEF) in June 1964. The 9-unit configuration was later used as part of the development process for early versions of KENO and a model representing a variation of this experiment (Sample Problem 7: GROTESQUE without the Diaphragm) is released with modern versions of SCALE for testing the proper installation of the KENO module. An experimental report for the GROTESQUE experiment has not been published; however there are two publications that describe the experiment (References 1 and 2). A separate reportc discussing the conversion of the 05r model into a KENO model was published; however, the author did not consult with the experimenter for GROTESQUE. This report is considered unreliable (except for dimensions) by the experimenter and should not be used to obtain information pertinent to the GROTESQUE experiment. The Oak Ridge Critical Experiments Facility (ORCEF) Logbook 15r contains the primary documentation from the experimenter for this experiment. The GROTESQUE arrangement of nine major units was evaluated an determined to be an acceptable benchmark experiment.