Experimental and operational reactor physics

Abstract Neutron transport in a nuclear reactor in both space and time domain has been elucidated in the previous chapters. Theoretical models are used to study neutron transport behavior in both multiplying and nonmultiplying medium and are used in design calculations. The codes can be based on deterministic or stochastic models. Though there is enough experience in construction and operation of nuclear reactors worldwide, yet when a new type of nuclear reactor design is envisaged, it is very important to validate its design. Physics design of nuclear reactors entails two main aspects, namely, theoretical simulations and their experimental validation. In design simulations, one has to model the reactor core to get various design parameters. Experimental validation of the theoretical models, the design parameters and the design inputs is a major aspect of design. Approximations in modeling the reactor using various computer codes and the uncertainty in nuclear data that goes as input into these codes, contribute to the uncertainties of the theoretically computed design parameters. Reactor physics experiments provide estimates of uncertainty in the design by comparing the measured and computed values of these parameters. A comparison between measured and calculated values gives the feedback which helps in estimating the design margins. This chapter is devoted to the techniques and methods involved in experiments for determination of reactor physics parameters. An overview of some experimental facilities is also given. Neutron monitoring and operational reactor physics aspects are also discussed.