THERMAL BENCHMARKING

THERMAL BENCHMARKJNG: A STATUS REPORT. A series of benchmarks are being developed for evaluating codes used in the design and licensing of transportation systems for nuclear materials. The development of the benchmarks includes (I) definition of a problem set, (2) numerical solutions and (3) experimental verification. The first two steps have been completed and the plans for experimental verification are being developed. In conjunction with this domestic programme, a proposal was made to the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD/ NEA) for an international effort. A problem set was subsequently defined and agreed upon for the first phase of the international intercornparison of codes. The paper discusses the status and future activities of the benchmarking effort in the United States of America and reviews the status of international efforts.