Suppression of the initial transient in MonteCarlo criticality simulations

Criticality Monte Carlo calculations aim at estimating the effective multiplication factor (k-effective) for a fissile system through iterations simulating neutrons propagation (making a Markov chain). Arbitrary initialization of the neutron population can deeply bias the k-effective estimation, defined as the mean of the k-effective computed at each iteration. A simplified model of this cycle k-effective sequence is built, based on characteristics of industrial criticality Monte Carlo calculations. Statistical tests, inspired by Brownian bridge properties, are designed to discriminate stationarity of the cycle k-effective sequence. The initial detected transient is, then, suppressed in order to improve the estimation of the system k-effective. The different versions of this methodology are detailed and compared, firstly on a plan of numerical tests fitted on criticality Monte Carlo calculations, and, secondly on real criticality calculations. Eventually, the best methodologies observed in these tests are selected and allow to improve industrial Monte Carlo criticality calculations.

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Source https://theses.hal.science/tel-00779772
Author Richet, Yann
Maintainer CCSD
Last Updated May 14, 2026, 23:57 (UTC)
Created May 14, 2026, 23:57 (UTC)
Identifier NNT: 2006EMSE0036
Language fr
Rights https://about.hal.science/hal-authorisation-v1/
contributor Département Méthodes et Modèles Mathématiques pour l'Industrie (3MI-ENSMSE) ; École des Mines de Saint-Étienne (Mines Saint-Étienne MSE) ; Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] (IMT)-Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] (IMT)-Centre G2I
creator Richet, Yann
date 2006-12-13T00:00:00
harvest_object_id d1201c8d-fd3d-4dec-b7da-e57a8b114355
harvest_source_id 3374d638-d20b-4672-ba96-a23232d55657
harvest_source_title test moissonnage SELUNE
metadata_modified 2026-01-19T00:00:00
set_spec type:THESE