Monte Carlo modeling of KAMINI

Monte Carlo modeling of the Kalpakkam Mini Reactor (KAMINI) has been carried out for the first time by using Monte Carlo code (MCNP4A) and continuous energy cross-sections. The safety control plate (SCP) drop experiment is simulated and the computed integral worth of the SCPs is compared with the measured value. The measured axial neutron flux profile and foil reaction rates in one of the in-core irradiation location and the foil reaction rates at the west beam port are also compared with the predicted results. The agreement between measurements and calculations is quite satisfactory. It is confirmed from the calculation and measurement that the north thimble is having nearly 10-20% higher neutron flux as compared to the south thimble depending on the exact elevation. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.