Investigation of the void coefficient and other integral parameters in the PROTEUS-LWHCR phase II program

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7226978

Seiler, R; Chawla, R; Gmur, K; Hager, H; Berger, H D; Bohme, R

Comparisons of calculated and measured neutron balance components are reported for the 7.5% fissile plutonium reference test lattice of the PROTEUS-light water high conversion reactor (LWHCR) phase II program, both wet (with H/sub 2/O) and dry (100% void). Special experimental techniques have been developed and applied, particularly for kappa/sub infinity/, and the range of directly measured reaction rate ratios has been extended. For the two cell codes tested, WIMS-D/1981 library and KARBUS/KEDAK-4, specific shortcomings have been identified; the new measurements have been found to be significantly more representative and accurate than the earlier phase I experiments. The kappa/sub infinity/ void coefficient for the phase II reference lattice between 0 and 100% void has been found to be qualitatively different from those assessed for the earlier phase I test lattices. Consideration of the individual void coefficient components show this to be largely a consequence of the more LWHCR-representative fuel rod diameter and plutonium isotopic composition of the fuel currently being used. Results of control rod studies conducted for the phase II reference lattice - both wet and dry - serve to illustrate the efforts being made toward investigations of special power reactor features.

• Research Organization: Swiss Federal Institute for Reactor Research, 5303 Wurenlingen (CH)
• OSTI ID: 7226978
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 80:2; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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