A new approach to determine batch size for the batch method in the Monte Carlo Eigenvalue calculation

Abstract

It is well known that the variance of tally is biased in a Monte Carlo calculation based on the power iteration method. Several studies have been conducted to estimate the real variance. Among them, the batch method, which was proposed by Gelbard and Prael, has been utilized actively in many Monte Carlo codes because the method is straightforward, and it is easy to implement the method in the codes. However, there is a problem when utilizing the batch method because the estimated variance varies depending on batch size. Often, the appropriate batch size is not realized before the completion of several Monte Carlo calculations. This study recognizes this shortcoming and addresses it by permitting selection of an appropriate batch size. Keywords: Real variance, Monte Carlo, Batch method, Fission probability matrix, Apparent variance