Neutron noise equivalence techniques

Research Project, 2024 – 2028

As coarse-mesh approaches represent the only feasible modelling alternative for creating a large set of simulated neutron noise spatial signatures used for unfolding, it is essential to reconcile the coarse-mesh solutions to the fine-mesh solutions. This will guarantee the correctness of the simulated data set used to compare the measured neutron noise with and will increase the faithfulness of neutron noise-based core monitoring. The proposed work, to be carried out in the form of a 4-year long PhD project, aims at developing an equivalence theory for the specific case of neutron noise calculations.

In particular, the following research questions will be addressed:

- How different is the coarse-mesh noise solution from the fine-mesh noise solution averaged on the coarse meshes if the equivalence procedure is not used or only used for the static calculations?

- On which principles should the equivalence procedure be established for neutron noise and which quantities need to be/can be preserved?

- How valid would such an equivalence theory be for various types of noise sources?