The Quench-06 experiment (ISP-45) has been used as a benchmark and training aid for Innovative Systems Software (ISS) and our users/students since it was completed in the early 2000s. The experiment was first analyzed by several international organizations using RELAP/SCDAPSIM/MOD3.2. These results were submitted to the “blind” and “open” phases of the ISP. The experiment was subsequently used for basic user training for experimental analysis by our RELAP/SCDAPSIM/MOD3.4 and MOD3.5 users. It is also used extensively in our university support and training internships. This paper describes an integrated uncertainty analysis of the QUENCH-06 electrically heated experiment, looking at the influence of uncertainties in experimental conditions and important models/correlations. The QUENCH calculations demonstrated the use of the new IUA, “Integrated Uncertainty Analysis”, option introduced into RELAP/SCDAPSIM/MOD3.4 in the summer of 2017 and MOD3.5 in the fall of 2017. The input models and results from both versions are discussed in the paper. The MOD3.4 results are based on the original input model developed for MOD3.2 and refined in the open phase of the ISP. The MOD3.5 results are based upon two base input models. The first was developed specifically to test the impact of MOD3.5 modeling improvements for the Quench electrically heated fuel rod simulator and was used in an early paper presented at this meeting in 2014. The second input model has been refined as part of the university support and training internship program and was used originally in 2016 to look at the influence of different approaches in modeling the insulated shroud used to minimize radial heat losses. The uncertainty analysis provided in this paper looks at the influence of uncertainties in (a) the parabolic equations for Zircaloy oxidation, (b) the tungsten heater element resistances, (c) the convective heat transfer coefficients, (d) the contact resistance of the heater elements, and (e) the thermal conductivity of the porous zirconia used in the shroud. The uncertainty analysis demonstrated very clearly that a bias was introduced into the 2014 MOD3.5 input model. This bias was subsequently determined to be primarily associated to the modeling of the shroud and associated radial heat losses. This bias was reduced in the 2016 version of the MOD3.5 input model and will be further refined as our training activities on the modeling of experiments continue.

A gamma backscattering technique is applied to calculate the saturation curve and the effective mass attenuation coefficient of material. A NaI(Tl) detector collimated by collimator of large diameter is modeled by Monte Carlo technique using both MCNP5 and GEANT4 codes. The result shows a good agreement in response function of the scattering spectra for the two codes. Based on such spectra, the saturation curve of heat-resistant steel is determined. The results represent a strong confirmation that it is appropriate to use the detector collimator of large diameter to obtain the scattering spectra and this work is also the basis of experimental setup for determining the thickness of material.