4-2 Integral Experimental Database for Validation of Nuclear Data of Transuranic Nuclides Including Minor Actinides

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Publication Date： February 25, 2026

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Integral Experimental Database for Validation of Nuclear Data of Transuranic Nuclides Including Minor Actinides

Table 1 Database of TRU integral experiments

Table 1 Database of TRU integral experiments

Fig. 1 Systematically varied neutron energy spectra of FCA-IX assemblies

Fig. 1 Systematically varied neutron energy spectra of FCA-IX assemblies

Fig. 2 Example of integral validation

Fig. 2 Example of integral validation

JENDL-5 accurately predicts the sample reactivity worth and fission rate ratio of ²³⁷Np.

Integral validation of nuclear data for transuranic (TRU) nuclides is a key technology in addressing major challenges, such as the development of innovative reactors and the reduction of radioactive waste. However, experimental data essential for integral validation, particularly for minor actinides, remain extremely scarce worldwide.

In this study, experimental data^*1 on TRU nuclides obtained from the Fast Critical Assembly (FCA) was re-evaluated and a comprehensive integral experimental database (Table 1) to support nuclear data validation was established. This database ensures high reliability, with experimental uncertainties rigorously evaluated to meet international standards in the field of reactor physics. The database has two notable features:

(1) While a single integral experiment typically lacks detailed neutron energy information, this database systematically covers multiple neutron energy spectra—from intermediate to fast regions (Fig. 1)—enabling validation with a focus on energy dependence.

(2) In addition to criticality, the database includes fission rate ratios and sample reactivity worths. This enables integral evaluation of both fission and capture cross sections for TRU nuclides (Fig. 2).

By offering broad coverage of neutron spectra and diverse nuclear characteristics (criticality^*2, fission rate ratio^*3, sample reactivity worth,^*4), this database is anticipated to enhance reliability of TRU nuclear data.

^*1 Mukaiyama, T. et al., Rad. Eff. 93 (1–4), 147 (1986).

^*2 Fukushima, M. et al., J. Nucl. Sci. Technol. 53 (3), 406 (2016).

^*3 Fukushima, M. et al., J. Nucl. Sci. Technol. 54 (7), 795 (2017).

^*4 Fukushima, M. et al., J. Nucl. Sci. Technol. 61 (4), 478 (2024).

Author (Researcher) Information

Masahiro Fukushima

Research Group for Nuclear Transmutation System, Nuclear Science and Engineering Center

Reference

Fukushima, M. et al., Tru Oxide Sample Reactivity Worths Measured in the Fca-IX Assemblies With Systematically Changed Neutron Energy Spectra, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, vol.61, issue 4, 2024, p.478–497.

Paper URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2023.2240872

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