Probabilistic methods for LMFBR application

The field of statistics and probability, as applied to physical phenomena, is a natural extension of engineering in which reality is modeled. Random variations and their combined effect on system response occur. The paper summarizes the activities at three DOE sponsored laboratories to establish accepted methods to evaluate these random variations, their impact on system performance and to provide assistance in establishing meaningful and quantified product specifications and operating limits. Continued development and refinement of methods to perform probabilistic analysis is required in order for these techniques to become accepted design methods.