Comparisons of PRD components for various EBR-II configurations

Abstract Comparison of detailed calculations of contributions by region and component of the power-reactivity-decrements (PRD) for four differing loading configurations of the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) are given. The linear components and Doppler components are calculated. The non-linear (primarily subassembly bowing) components are deduced by differences relative to measured total PRD values. Variations in linear components range from about 10% to as much as about a factor of two depending upon the component. The deduced non-linear components can differ both in magnitude and sign. Effects of differing assumptions of the nature of the fuel-to-clad interactions upon the PRD components are also calculated.