PREDICTING EXCESS REACTIVITY IN THE ETR AS A FUNCTION OF POWER-TIME

摘要

A semiempirical equation is used to predict excess reactivity in the ETR as a function of power-time in terms of reactivity parameters which are routinely measured in a mock-up of each ETR core in the ETR Critical Facility. Constants in the equation were evaluated by fitting the equation to plots of excess reactivity as a function of power-time obtained for several cores in the ETR. The equation and reactivity measurements fulfill the need for frequent and reliable predictions of core charge life as well as control rod positions during reactor operation.