Rene Gerardo Sanchez

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Journal article Open access

Deimos: HALEU TRISO Heated Critical Experiment Data

by Kristin Nichole Stolte, Theresa Elizabeth Cutler, Alexis Maldonado, Holly Renee Trellue, John Norlin Downey, Nicholas Alan Wynne, Scott William Stinson, Rene Gerardo Sanchez and Abraham Gabriel Haggerty

First online publication 01/06/2026

Nuclear Science and Engineering

Journal article Open access

Godiva IV central cavity neutron environment characterization with threshold neutron detectors

by Nicholas Hunter Whitman, Bruce D. Pierson, Robert Allen Jr. Weldon, Theresa Elizabeth Cutler, Matthew Edgell Gooden, Jesson D. Hutchinson, Rene Gerardo Sanchez, Travis Justin Grove and Joetta Marie Goda

First online publication 11/11/2024

EPJ Web of Conferences, 308, 06005

Journal article Open access

The MUSIC Critical Benchmark and Nuclear Data

by Alexander Thomas McSpaden, Jesson D. Hutchinson, Michael Evan Rising, Rene Gerardo Sanchez, Nicholas William Thompson and George Espy IV McKenzie

First online publication 08/19/2024

Nuclear Science and Engineering, 199, 5, 699-724

Journal article Open access

The National Criticality Experiments Research Center and its role in support of advanced reactor design

by Nicholas William Thompson, Alexis Maldonado, Theresa Elizabeth Cutler, Holly Renee Trellue, Kelsey Marie Amundson, Venkateswara Rao Dasari, Joetta Marie Goda, Travis Justin Grove, David Kirk Hayes and Jesson D. Hutchinson ... (22 authors)

Published 01/05/2023

Frontiers in Energy Research, 10, 1082389

Journal article Open access Peer reviewed

Benchmark of the Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling TechnologY (KRUSTY) Component Critical Configurations

by Kristin N. Stolte, Jeffrey A. Favorite, George E. McKenzie, Theresa E. Cutler, Jesson D. Hutchinson, Nicholas W. Thompson and Rene G. Sanchez

Published 04/03/2022

Nuclear technology, 208, 4, 625 - 643

Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling TechnologY (KRUSTY) was a prototype for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Kilopower Program. KRUSTY has a highly enriched uranium-molybdenum alloy (with 7.65 wt% molybdenum) annular core reflected by beryllium oxide with an outer stainless steel shield. Five configurations from the experimental campaign were chosen to be evaluated as benchmark cases. Uncertainties were evaluated in five categories: (1) criticality measurement, (2) mass and density, (3) dimensions, (4) material compositions, and (5) positioning. The largest contribution to the overall uncertainty in each case was from the radial alignment of the movable platen. A simplified model was created to increase computational efficiency, and an average bias of -16 pcm was calculated due to the simplifications. Sample calculations were completed for each case using MCNP6.2, COG, and MC21, all with ENDF/B-VIII.0 nuclear data. For MCNP6.2, the average difference (absolute value) between the calculated and experimental k eff for the five configurations was 14 pcm for both the detailed and the simplified models. The k eff results from all three codes are within 1σ of the benchmark values. KRUSTY's value as a benchmark is due to its sensitivity to beryllium and molybdenum. For beryllium, KRUSTY adds an 18th benchmark with a total cross-section sensitivity greater than 0.05%/%/(unit lethargy). For molybdenum, KRUSTY adds a 9th benchmark with a total cross-section sensitivity greater than 0.004%/%/(unit lethargy).

Journal article Open access Peer reviewed

Criticality Experiments with Fast 235U and 239Pu Metal and Hydride Systems During the Manhattan Project

by Jesson D. Hutchinson, Jennifer Louise Alwin, William L. Myers, Alexander Thomas McSpaden, Rene Gerardo Sanchez and Michael Evan Rising

Published 12/03/2021

Nuclear Technology, 207, sup1

Journal article Open access Peer reviewed

A New Era of Nuclear Criticality Experiments: The First 10 Years of Radiation Test Object Operations at NCERC

by Jesson Hutchinson, John Bounds, Theresa Cutler, Derek Dinwiddie, Joetta Goda, Travis Grove, David Hayes, George McKenzie, Alexander McSpaden and James Miller ... (18 authors)

Published 11/05/2021

Nuclear science and engineering, 195, 1, S80 - S98

The work presented in this paper focuses on the first 10 years (2011-2020) of radiation test object (RTO) operations at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center. RTOs are subcritical configurations of special nuclear material that are built by hand. These configurations are utilized for benchmark experiments, detector testing/characterization, and training. An overview of the types of measurements used in RTO operations is given as well as a history of RTO operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1944-2011.

Journal article Open access Peer reviewed

A New Era of Nuclear Criticality Experiments: The First 10 Years of Planet Operations at NCERC

by Rene Gerardo Sanchez, Theresa Elizabeth Cutler, Joetta Marie Goda, Travis Justin Grove, David Kirk Hayes, Jesson D. Hutchinson, George Espy IV McKenzie, Alexander Thomas McSpaden, William L. Myers and Roberto D. Rico ... (12 authors)

Published 11/05/2021

Nuclear Science and Engineering, 195, Sup 1, S1-S16

Journal article Open access Peer reviewed

A New Era of Nuclear Criticality Experiments: The First 10 Years of Flattop Operations at NCERC

by David Kirk Hayes, Todd Allen Bredeweg, Theresa Elizabeth Cutler, Joetta Marie Goda, Travis Justin Grove, Jesson D. Hutchinson, Juliann Rose Lamproe, George Espy IV McKenzie, Alexander Thomas McSpaden and William L. Myers ... (12 authors)

Published 11/05/2021

Nuclear Science and Engineering, 195, sup1, S37-S54

Journal article Open access Peer reviewed

A New Era of Nuclear Criticality Experiments: The First 10 Years of Comet Operations at NCERC

by Rene Gerardo Sanchez, Kelsey Marie Amundson, Theresa Elizabeth Cutler, Joetta Marie Goda, Travis Justin Grove, David Kirk Hayes, Jesson D. Hutchinson, Cole Michael Kostelac, George Espy IV McKenzie and Alexander Thomas McSpaden ... (13 authors)

Published 11/05/2021

Nuclear Science and Engineering, 195, Sup 1, S17-S36