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Title: Application of point kinetics equations to the design of a reactivity meter

Conference · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5916008

The time-dependent reactivity of a nuclear reactor is obviously one of the most important reactor parameters that describes the state of the reactor. Although several different types of techniques exist to measure reactivity, only the kinetic method is described here. The paper illustrates the measured reactor power and calculated reactivity for a 70 cents step change in reactivity. These data were taken at 1-s time intervals. It is seen that the reactivity, initially at zero, rises rapidly to a predetermined value (determined by the reactivity change induced in the system) and then returns to zero as the reactor is reestablished in a critical situation by insertion of another control rod. It is concluded that the method of Tuttle has been adapted to produce a reliable, on-line calculation of reactivity from a time-dependent reactor power signal.

Research Organization:
Oregon State Univ., Corvallis (USA)
OSTI ID:
5916008
Report Number(s):
CONF-881011-
Journal Information:
Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 57; Conference: Joint meeting of the European Nuclear Society and the American Nuclear Society, Washington, DC, USA, 30 Oct - 4 Nov 1988
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English