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Title: ARMY GAS-COOLED REACTOR SYSTEMS PROGRAM. ML-1 REACTOR STABILITY TESTS

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4666163

Analog computer studies indicated that the reactivity coefficients of the ML-1 are too small to cause instabilities during reactor operation. Digital computer analysis of the noise levels in the reactor flux records from the initial operation of the ML-1 revealed no indications of unstable tendencies, although an error analysis qualified the results. The Milletron spectral analysis computer was used to monitor ML-1 reactor stability during a full power run, including startup, shutdown, and several power level changes. Analysis of the Milletron data led to the conclusion that there were no unstable tendencies in the reactor power range observed and that stable operation could be expected at considerably higher powers. The major source of neutron flux noise was attributed to the moderator system and was associated, with a reasonable probability, with random variations in temperature and/or voids in the moderator. (auth)

Research Organization:
Aerojet-General Nucleonics, San Ramon, Calif.
DOE Contract Number:
AT(10-1)-880
NSA Number:
NSA-17-033302
OSTI ID:
4666163
Report Number(s):
AGN-TM-403
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English