Sensitivity Functions for Uncertainty Analysis

Sensitivity functions provide the basis for the sensitivity approach to uncertainty analysis. From the point of view of the practitioner, they are linear transformation functions expressing the relative change in reactor performance parameters due to a relative change in nuclear data or design parameters. In this chapter we present the mathematical basis for sensitivity functions, discuss their physical meaning and information they contain, and clarify a number of issues concerning their application, including the definition of group sensitivities, the selection of sensitivity functions to be included in the analysis, and limitations of sensitivity theory.