Validation of calculational methods for nuclear criticality safety

The American National Standard for Nuclear Criticality Safety in Operations with Fissionable Materials Outside Reactors, N16.1-1975, states in 4.2.5: ''In the absence of directly applicable experimental measurements, the limits may be derived from calculations made by a method shown to be valid by comparison with experimental data, provided sufficient allowances are made for uncertainties in the data and in the calculations.'' There are many methods of calculation which vary widely in basis and form. Each has its place in the broad spectrum of problems encountered in the nuclear criticality safety field. However, the general procedure to be followed in establishing validity is common to all. The Standard states the requirements for establishing the validity and area(s) of applicability of any calculational method used in assessing nuclear criticality safety