Measurement and prediction of neutron spectra in the Kalpakkam mini reactor (KAMINI)

Kalpakkam mini (KAMINI) reactor is the newest research reactor built in India. Operated at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, it has the unique distinction of being the only operating pool-type reactor in the world at present fuelled by 233U and aluminium alloy. Neutron spectra have been measured by the multi-foil irradiation method at the beam tube ends of this reactor. The spectra unfolding have been done, by using SAND-II computer code. Thus the total and thermal flux at the beam tube ends have been measured. The theoretical spectrum generated by the computer codes SMAXY and COMESH and WIMS cross-section data library was compared with the measured spectrum for one of the beam tubes and found to match well. A new 620-group cross-section data library generated at our centre was tested with SAND-II for the same set of measurements. Use of the new library results in slightly higher measured total fluxes and smoother spectra shapes.