Reactivity and reaction rate ratio changes with moderator voidage in a light water high converter reactor lattice

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5952643

Chawla, R; Gmur, K; Hager, H; Seiler, R

Integral reaction rate ratios and other kinfinity-related parameters have been measured in the first three cores of the experimental program on light water high converter reactor (LWHCR) test lattices in the PROTEUS reactor. The reference tight-pitch lattice consisted of two rod types, with an average fissile-plutonium enrichment of 6% and a fuel/moderator ratio of 2.0. The moderators were H/sub 2/O, Dowtherm (simulating an H/sub 2/O voidage of 42.5%), and air (100% void). Comparisons of the measured parameters have been made with calculational results based mainly on the use of two separate codes and their associated data libraries, namely, WIMS-D and EPRI-CPM. A reconstruction of individual components of the kinfinity void coefficient has been carried out on the basis of the measured changes with voidage of the various reaction rate ratios, as well as of kinfinity itself. The subsequent more detailed comparisons between experiment and calculation should provide a useful basis for resolving the conflicting calculational results that have been reported in the past for the void coefficient characteristics of LWHCRs.

• Research Organization: Swiss Federal Institute for Reactor Research, 5303 Wurenlingen
• OSTI ID: 5952643
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 67:3; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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