A summary of the current status of the MONK6 code and its validation for criticality applications

The Monte Carlo code MONK6 is the standard criticality assessment tool in the United Kingdom, where it has been in regular use for the design and operation of major nuclear facilities for over ten years. The code is maintained and supported by the ANSWERS Service of AEA Reactor Services and the code development programme is performed by the Nuclear Code Development Collaboration supported by AEA Reactor Services and British Nuclear Fuels Plc (BNFL). This paper summarises the status of the current production version of MONK6 and describes the philosophy and extent of the validation that has been performed. (author)