Analysis of test-lattice experiments in the light-water high-conversion reactor PROTEUS. Final report

This report describes the preliminary analysis of a series of tight-pitch lattice experiments. The first phase of an experimental program was recently completed at the PROTEUS zero-power reactor facility. The primary purpose of the program was to obtain experimental data on a PuO/sub 2//UO/sub 2/-fueled test lattice with a fuel-to-moderator ratio of approximately 2.0. Reaction rate ratios were measured in the center of the test lattice. Measurements included the capture rates in U-238 and fission rates in U-235, U-238, Pu-239, and Pu-241. Radial and axial reaction-rate traverses across the test lattice were also measured to determine material buckling. EPRI-CPM and its associated production library CPMLIB3 were used in the calculations of the lattice parameters (reaction rate ratios and k/sub infinity/), the results of which were subsequently compared to the measured parameters.