Study on the Positive Step Reactivity Insertion Effect on Reactor Period in BAEC TRIGA Mark-II Research Reactor

The behavior of reactor period in response to any sudden change in reactivity is very important for nuclear reactor control. In this study, experiments have been performed to analyze the effects of positive step reactivity insertion on reactor period. The 3 MW BAEC TRIGA Mark-II research reactor was subjected to positive step reactivity insertion for initial power of 1 kW and 100 kW with continuous recording of change in reactor power level. The reactor period is calculated for different positive reactivity and a comparison is shown how the initial power affects the reactor period. Reactor period shows significant variations due to reactivity insertion at low initial power. The difference between the theoretical and experimental value of reactor period was greater for low reactivity insertion. The results of this research work will play a crucial role to ensure the safe and reliable nuclear reactor operation.