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Initial Physics Measurements on FFTF

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society
OSTI ID:6596426

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 are 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 Laboratories, Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
OSTI ID:
6596426
Report Number(s):
CONF-800607-
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 34; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
Publisher:
American Nuclear Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English