SEMI-AUTOMATED SEARCH FOR MAXIMUM Keff OF MULTI-CONSTITUENT SYSTEMS

New maximum keff search options have been developed for SMORES – a pr ototypic analysis sequence recently developed for incorporation in the SCALE-5 code package. SMORES provides for an intelligent, semi-automatic search for the maximum keff of a given amount of specified fissile materials in combination with specified moderating/reflecting materials. SMORES will also search for the minimum critical mass. The new options developed are set to handle multi fuel and multi moderator/reflector constituents. The newly developed algorithms are illustrated for three types of problems, all involving search for the maximum possible keff. In two of the problems the mass of each of the two fissile materials is fixed. In another problem the total volume fraction of the two fissile materials is fixed. SMORES can be useful for determining margins of subcriticalit y and for other criticality safety applications.