Analysis of nuclear reactor instability phenomena

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6641128· OSTI ID:6641128

Lahey, Jr, R T

The phenomena known as density-wave instability often occurs in phase change systems, such as boiling water nuclear reactors (BWRS). Our current understanding of density-wave oscillations is in fairly good shape for linear phenomena (eg, the onset of instabilities) but is not very advanced for non-linear phenomena [Lahey and Podowski, 1989]. In particular, limit cycle and chaotic instability modes are not well understood in boiling systems such as current and advanced generation BWRs (eg, SBWR). In particular, the SBWR relies on natural circulation and is thus inherently prone to problems with density-wave instabilities. The purpose of this research is to develop a quantitative understanding of nonlinear nuclear-coupled density-wave instability phenomena in BWRS. This research builds on the work of Achard et al [1985] and Clausse et al [1991] who showed, respectively, that Hopf bifurcations and chaotic oscillations may occur in boiling systems.

• Research Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-92ER75701
• OSTI ID: 6641128
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/75701-1; ON: DE93009397
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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