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U.S. Department of Energy
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THE USE OF SUBCRITICAL ASSEMBLIES FOR STUDYING REACTOR PARAMETERS

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4740974
The determination of diffusion parameters in diffusing media in far- subcritical assemblies by the pulsed neutron technique is discussed. The theory developed for the calculation of decay constants in subcritical systems is outlined. The critical and subcritical assemblies used are described. Data obtained for a moderating slab of polyethylene are presented and analyzed. It is shown thnt measurements of the fundamental mode prompt neutron decay constant can be performed successfully on assemblies whose reactivity ranges from critical to farsubcritical, provided that subcriticality is achieved by decreasing the size from critical size, rather than by addition of poison to the critical size assembly. (M.C.G.)
Research Organization:
Knolls Atomic Power Lab., Schenectady, N.Y.
DOE Contract Number:
W-31-109-ENG-52
NSA Number:
NSA-17-009857
OSTI ID:
4740974
Report Number(s):
TID-17391
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English