Formulation of Model Defects Suitable for the Resonance Regime

Abstract

A method to account for model deficiencies in nuclear data evaluations in the resonance regime is proposed. The method follows the ideas of Schnabel and coworkers and relies on Gaussian processes with a novel problemadapted ansatz for the covariance matrix of model uncertainties extending the formalism to the energy region of resonances. The method was used to evaluate a set of schematic but realistic neutron reaction data generated by an R-matrix code and a well defined model defect. Using the extended ansatz for model defects the Bayesian evaluation successfully recovered the built-in model defect in size and structure thus demonstrating the applicability of the method.