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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Initial Physics Measurements on FFTF

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5317679

Initial criticality of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) was achieved on February 9, 1980, at 3:45 p.m. During the period November 27, 1979, to March 8, 1980, fuel was loaded into the FFTF core, initial criticality was achieved, and several subcritical physics measurements were performed. The data obtained from initial FFTF nuclear operation are presented. Specifically, the absolute and relative neutron count rates were predicted for the bulk of the seventy-three fuel loadings of FFTF. Agreement between predicted and observed values is illustrated. Severe variations of fission chamber detection efficiency in the reactor shield is contrasted with that near the core center. Control rod worths, measured by the rod drop inverse kinetics method, are compared with predictions based upon Engineering Mockup Critical (EMC) evaluations. Control rod reactivity worth curves measured by rod run-in inverse kinetics are given.

Research Organization:
Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
DOE Contract Number:
AC14-76FF02170
OSTI ID:
5317679
Report Number(s):
HEDL-SA--2163; CONF-800607--68
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English