EBR-II time constant calculation using the EROS kinetics code

System time constants are important parameters in determining the dynamic behavior of reactors. One method of determining basic time constants is to apply a step change in power level and determine the resulting temperature change. This methodology can be done using any computer code that calculates temperature versus time given either a power input or a reactivity input. In the current analysis this is done using the reactor kinetics code EROS. As an example of this methodology, the time constant is calculated for an Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) fuel pin.