LAUSR

Abstract This paper presents results obtained by reproducing a VVER-1000 lattice physics benchmark using the Serpent2 code. The benchmark data are related to the initial cycles of the Khmelnitskiy nuclear power plant. This study compares results obtained with the Serpent2 code against those calculations published in the benchmark document. Detailed descriptions are provided for two fuel assemblies; one without gadolinium in the fuel pins, and the other with gadolinium. A sensitivity study is performed utilizing different nuclear data libraries, different depletion sequences (including pin by pin burnup) and different number of radial regions within the fuel pins containing gadolinium. The infinite multiplication factor behavior and isotopic concentrations of major isotopes are compared and discussed. It is concluded that Serpent2 provided reasonable results in comparison with the other codes used in the benchmark.