INVAP computer codes validation in the frame of the IAEA CRP against experimental data on fuel burnup and material activation

INVAP performs design activities using a calculation suite, which is a set of codes of the different disciplines that includes, also, a set of procedures and methodologies that take into account the whole process of design including regulatory aspects, analyst qualification and the validation of computer codes as well. INVAP is in continuous development and validation of the calculation suite used for design and optimization of nuclear facilities, including also the improvement of the procedures and the training and retraining of the analyst. The IAEA Coordinated Research Programs (CRP) plays an important role in the V&V process allowing and promoting the strong interaction between data providers and benchmarkers of different countries, which strongly enhances the sharing of knowledge and the learning process of analysts. It also enables other important issues like: i) the comparison of different calculation codes and methodologies, ii) establishing procedures for the qualification of the computational tools and users, iii) the transference of know-how in the area of innovative methods in RR and iv) the minimization of user effects. This paper describes the validation of our calculation line and our experience in the qualification of the analyst and other side effects, based on the INVAP experience in the participation in the IAEA CRP's. INVAP proposed scheme for the eight evaluated benchmarks is to develop alternate calculation approaches that consider not only the diverse paths of the calculation suite but also diverse specialists for each path. (author)