Application of similarity analysis method in zero-power experimental validation

New advanced reactors require zero-power experiments to validate the correctness of design. In order to ensure sufficient validation strength, certain similarity of physical properties between zero-power experimental reactor and the target reactor is required. Based on sensitivity and uncertainty analysis techniques, three indexes for evaluating the physical similarity between reactor systems were introduced. Based on the Monte Carlo transport program MONK, a coupled similarity analysis program MCS was compiled. The results of MCS were compared with TSUNAMI's and the two programs showed good agreement. Finally, the similarity between the CEFR in MOX fuel loading design and the BFS-119-2 zero-power experiment scheme given by IPPE was calculated by MCS. The results showed that the two systems were very similar to each other, and the physical properties of the CEFR-MOX loading design could be validate by the zero-power experiment. Key words: similarity analysis / zero-power experiment / validation