FLAT FLUX CORES

Technical Report · Fri Jun 11 04:00:00 EDT 1954

OSTI ID:4226039

Balent, R

A convenient method by which the critical size, mass, and fuel distribution function can be calculated for the case of flat thermal flux across the core is outiined using simple diffusion theory. It is shown that the criticality condition for flat thermal flux using two neutron energy groups over two regions is given by a transcendental equation, which is fully as convenient to solve as is ordinary two group theory. A few calculations using the theory were made with different reflector thicknesses. The results are given and compared to the results obtained from ordinary two group theory. The critical radius as a function of reflector thickness for the flat flux case exhibits an unusual characteristic in that the core radius decreases with decreasing reflector thickness to a minimum value at some intermediate reflector thickness and then increases. A discussion of the possible advantages which flat flux cores would have, some of the limitations and a few examples as to how the fuel distribution could be obtained in various core designs is given. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomics International Div., North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-14-001975
• OSTI ID: 4226039
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR-Memo-913(Rev.II)(Del.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BUCKLING
CRITICALITY
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DIFFUSION
DISTRIBUTION
FUELS
GROUP THEORY
MASS
MATHEMATICS
NEUTRON FLUX
PHYSICS
PLANNING
REACTOR CORE
REFLECTORS
THERMAL NEUTRONS
THICKNESS
VOLUME
ZONES