Sensitivity of the homogenized model in the neutronics analysis for the Korea Helium Cooled Solid Breeder Test Blanket Module

The Korea Helium Cooled Solid Breeder Test Blanket Module (Korea HCSB TBM) uses a pebble material in the tritium breeder, neutron multiplier and neutron reflector. A simplified multi-layer model homogenized in the pebble regions is used in the neutronics analysis to increase the efficiency of modeling calculations. Modeling results show that the homogenized model underestimated the TBR by approximately 2% compared to more traditional model. Differences in total mass and packing fractions are the major factors affecting this underestimate. Future uses of the homogenized model should take these factors into account.