SAUNA: A Python Package for Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis

Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis with respect to nuclear data has become an important part of analyzing new systems, known as Generation IV, to identify the sources of uncertainties. While there is a rise in interest in the field, the number of tools for the analysis is limited, and they are generally proprietary or specific, or they require a license to be used. This raises the entry threshold and complicates the analysis. To mitigate this issue, a Python-based open-source tool for Sensitivity And UNcertainty Analysis (SAUNA) is presented, which leverages the capabilities of well-established Python packages. It includes all the basic needs from preparing the covariances to uncertainty propagation and computing target accuracy requirements to make the process seamless. Furthermore, interoperability-related features are implemented, such as importing covariances from ENDF-, COVERX-, ABBN-, COMMARA-formatted covariances and sensitivities from Serpent or the “.sdf” files of SCALE.