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Subcritical TRIGA reactivity measurements using the source jerk technique

Conference ·
OSTI ID:21156984
; ;  [1]
  1. University of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)
In a subcritical TRIGA array (used to determine source strength enhancement for neutron radiography), it was necessary to measure the subcritical reactivity {rho} without the use of control rods. The solution was to use the integral 'source jerk' technique, pneumatically driving a 200 microgram californium-252 neutron source out of the subcritical assembly. The steps taken for the measurement were the following: 1) Numerically simulate the TRIGA neutron density n(t) as a function of reactivity {rho} and effective source strength S(t), and generate a flux-dependent function R(T) which is linear with respect to {rho}. 2) Perform the source jerk experiment for different values of {rho}, and using the function R(T), determine {rho}.
Research Organization:
TRIGA Reactors, Gulf Energy and Environmental Systems Co., San Diego, CA (United States); Texas A and M University, College Station, TX (United States)
OSTI ID:
21156984
Report Number(s):
INIS-US--09N0217; T--739
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English