Estimation of the neutron chain-length distribution in subcritical systems using a point Monte Carlo code

Abstract A point Monte Carlo code has been developed that simulates the evolution of prompt fission chains in subcritical systems. From this simulation, a numerical estimate of the neutron chain-length distribution as a function of k eff has been obtained for subcritical systems. We also discuss the importance of the detector efficiency in performing a successful neutron noise measurement in highly subcritical systems.