Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : VENUS-F is the zero-power fast spectrum reactor operated at SCK CEN. The facility offers a rare opportunity for nuclear data validation in a fast neutron spectrum. Neutronic experiments to support the design of heavy-metal-cooled fast reactors are conducted. In particular, the oscillation technique for sample reactivity worth measurements has recently been implemented. This work shows the results of the first oscillation experiments at VENUS-F, conducted with a B4C reference sample. We demonstrate the feasibility of oscillation experiments in VENUS-F, describe their implementation, and assess robustness of this measurement technique, showing the repeatability of results across nine experiments. The results consistency across the oscillation cycles and detectors shows the reliability of the experimental and processing methods, achieving an uncertainty below 1% for a reactivity effect of approximately 6 pcm. Repeated experiments allow us to assess the impact of the oscillation pattern and related parameters on the precision of the results and the change in performance of two processing techniques: one based on averaging the Inverse Point Kinetics reconstructed reactivity and the other relying on Fourier Transform and the Zero Power Transfer Function. The agreement between repeated experiments and the comparable performance of the processing methods demonstrate the potential of the experimental method and build confidence in the results, supporting future oscillation experimental campaigns at VENUS-F.

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