On the effect of fine-scale radial void distributions on assembly criticality and pin power distribution

Dean Price, Andrew Gacek, Tomasz Kozlowski, Majdi I. Radaideh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The assumption that void fraction, and by extension coolant density, is uniform in the radial direction is a common approximation used in lattice physics simulations. In this study, models without uniform radial void fraction are used and lattice criticality and pin powers are investigated in two ways. One way uses hypothetical models that reflect extreme radial void distributions; modifications such as uniform radial pin enrichment and the removal of gadolinium rods are included in these models as well. Experimentally-determined boiling water reactor radial void distributions are also replicated in neutronics models using Serpent 2. It is found in the hypothetical models that the presence of gadolinium rods has a large effect on the interaction between lattice criticality and radial void distribution. It was also found that considering experimental radial void fraction distributions had the largest effect on the pin power of the rods containing gadolinium. Furthermore, it is observed that considering realistic radial void distributions, in general, decreased lattice criticality. The reason can be attributed that to the passive negative-feedback design of light water reactors. These are useful findings because calculation of more accurate peaking factors can lead to efficient and yet safer reactor operation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on Physics of Reactors
Subtitle of host publicationTransition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020
EditorsMarat Margulis, Partrick Blaise
PublisherEDP Sciences - Web of Conferences
Pages1395-1402
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781713827245
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
Event2020 International Conference on Physics of Reactors: Transition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Duration: Mar 28 2020Apr 2 2020

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Physics of Reactors: Transition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020
Volume2020-March

Conference

Conference2020 International Conference on Physics of Reactors: Transition to a Scalable Nuclear Future, PHYSOR 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityCambridge
Period3/28/204/2/20

Keywords

  • Boiling Water Reactor
  • Criticality
  • Radial Void Distribution
  • Serpent 2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiation

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