Effects of space-dependent cross sections on core physics parameters for compact fast spectrum space power reactors

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6305160

Lell, R M; Hanan, N A

Effects of multigroup neutron cross section generation procedures on core physics parameters for compact fast spectrum reactors have been examined. Homogeneous and space-dependent multigroup cross section sets were generated in 11 and 27 groups for a representative fast reactor core. These cross sections were used to compute various reactor physics parameters for the reference core. Coarse group structure and neglect of space-dependence in the generation procedure resulted in inaccurate computations of reactor flux and power distributions and in significant errors regarding estimates of core reactivity and control system worth. Delayed neutron fraction was insensitive to cross section treatment, and computed reactivity coefficients were only slightly sensitive. However, neutron lifetime was found to be very sensitive to cross section treatment. Deficiencies in multigroup cross sections are reflected in core nuclear design and, consequently, in system mechanical design.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6305160
• Report Number(s): CONF-870102-14; ON: DE87006985
• Resource Relation: Conference: 4. symposium on space nuclear power systems, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 12 Jan 1987; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
REACTOR CORES
MULTIGROUP THEORY
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
SPACE DEPENDENCE
SPACE POWER REACTORS
CONTROL ROD WORTHS
CROSS SECTIONS
NEUTRON TRANSPORT THEORY
REACTIVITY
REACTOR PHYSICS
MOBILE REACTORS
PHYSICS
POWER REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
TRANSPORT THEORY
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
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