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A Note on the Nomenclature in Neutron Multiplicity Mathematics

The purpose of this technical note is to consolidate the notations used for describing parameters that pertain to neutron multiplicity mathematics relevant to various applications including nonproliferation, international safeguards, and criticality safety among others. The nomenclatures used in these techniques vary widely depending on the origin of the work and their applications. We aim here to consolidate many of the previously used notations in a single document to enhance past, present, and future technical exchanges pertaining to neutron multiplicity. This will help avoid confusion in future publications and will facilitate wider application-independent advancements and utility of peer-reviewed findings. A brief introduction and history of neutron multiplicity counting is presented, followed by a summary of commonly used techniques in a variety of different applications. In each section, we present the notations used in previous publications for the reader’s reference.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Johnson Noise Thermometry for Advanced Small Modular Reactors

Temperature is a key process variable at any nuclear power plant (NPP). The harsh reactor environment causes all sensor properties to drift over time. At the higher temperatures of advanced NPPs the drift occurs more rapidly. The allowable reactor operating temperature must be reduced by the amount of the potential measurement error to assure adequate margin to material damage. Johnson noise is a fundamental expression of temperature and as such is immune to drift in a sensor s physical condition. In and near core, only Johnson noise thermometry (JNT) and radiation pyrometry offer the possibility for long-term, high-accuracy temperature measurement due to their fundamental natures. Small, Modular Reactors (SMRs) place a higher value on long-term stability in their temperature measurements in that they produce less power per reactor core and thus cannot afford as much instrument recalibration labor as their larger brethren. The purpose of this project is to develop and demonstrate a drift free Johnson noise-based thermometer suitable for deployment near core in advanced SMR plants.

Britton, Jr, Charles L.↗

Johnson Noise Thermometry for Advanced Small Modular Reactors

Temperature is a key process variable at any nuclear power plant (NPP). The harsh reactor environment causes all sensor properties to drift over time. At the higher temperatures of advanced NPPs the drift occurs more rapidly. The allowable reactor operating temperature must be reduced by the amount of the potential measurement error to assure adequate margin to material damage. Johnson noise is a fundamental expression of temperature and as such is immune to drift in a sensor’s physical condition. In and near the core, only Johnson noise thermometry (JNT) and radiation pyrometry offer the possibility for long-term, high-accuracy temperature measurement due to their fundamental natures. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) place a higher value on long-term stability in their temperature measurements in that they produce less power per reactor core and thus cannot afford as much instrument recalibration labor as their larger brethren. The purpose of the current ORNL-led project, conducted under the Instrumentation, Controls, and Human-Machine Interface (ICHMI) research pathway of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced SMR Research and Development (R&D) program, is to develop and demonstrate a drift free Johnson noise-based thermometer suitable for deployment near core in advanced SMR plants.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Feasibility study of noise analysis methods on virtual thermal reactor subcriticality monitoring

This paper presents the analysis results of Rossi-alpha, cross-correlation, Feynman-alpha, and Feynman difference methods applied to the subcriticality monitoring of nuclear reactors. A thermal spectrum Godiva model has been designed for the analysis of the four methods. This Godiva geometry consists of a spherical core containing the isotopes of H-l, U-235 and U-238, and the H{sub 2}O reflector outside the core. A Monte Carlo code, McCARD, is used in real time mode to generate virtual detector signals to analyze the feasibility of the four methods. The analysis results indicate that the four methods can be used with high accuracy for the continuous monitoring of subcriticality. In addition to that, in order to analyze the impact of the random noise contamination on the accuracy of the noise analysis, the McCARD-generated signals are contaminated with arbitrary noise. It is noticed that, even when the detector signals are contaminated, the four methods can predict the subcriticality with reasonable accuracy. Nonetheless, in order to reduce the adverse impact of the random noise, eight detector signals, rather than a single signal, are generated from the core, one signal from each equally divided eighth part of the core. The preliminary analysis with multiple virtual detector signals indicates that the approach of using many detectors is promising to improve the accuracy of criticality prediction and further study will be performed in this regard. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Fission-powered in-core thermoacoustic sensor

A thermoacoustic engine is operated within the core of a nuclear reactor to acoustically telemeter coolant temperature (frequency-encoded) and reactor power level (amplitude-encoded) outside the reactor, thus providing the values of these important parameters without external electrical power or wiring. We present data from two hydrophones in the coolant (far from the core) and an accelerometer attached to a structure outside the reactor. Furthermore, these signals have been detected even in the presence of substantial background noise generated by the reactor's fluid pumps.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Simulation of in-core neutron noise measurements for axial void profile reconstruction in boiling water reactors

A possibility to reconstruct the axial void profile from the simulated in-core neutron noise which is caused by density fluctuations in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) heated channel is considered. For this purpose, a self-contained model of the two-phase flow regime is constructed which has quantitatively and qualitatively similar properties to those observed in real BWRs. The model is subsequently used to simulate the signals of neutron detectors induced by the corresponding perturbations in the flow density. The bubbles are generated randomly in both space and time using Monte-Carlo techniques. The axial distribution of the bubble production is chosen such that the mean axial void fraction and void velocity follow the actual values of BWRs. The induced neutron noise signals are calculated and then processed by the standard signal analysis methods such as Auto-Power Spectral Density (APSD) and Cross-Power Spectral Density (CPSD). Two methods for axial void and velocity profiles reconstruction are discussed: the first one is based on the change of the break frequency of the neutron auto-power spectrum with axial core elevation, while the second refers to the estimation of transit times of propagating steam fluctuations between different axial detector positions. This paper summarizes the principles of the model and presents a numerical testing of the qualitative applicability to estimate the required parameters for the reconstruction of the void fraction profile from the neutron noise measurements. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Equivalent Fundamental-Mode Source Simulations for Spherical Uranium and Plutonium Systems

It is important in neutron noise measurements and reactor startup to understand how the source distribution in a system compares to the equivalent fundamental-mode (EFM) source. Deviation from the fundamental mode source distribution increases as the system $\kappa$ eff increases. A correction factor, g *, is a measure of this deviation, and is the focus of this work. Two methods were utilized to simulate g *. These methods are compared to each other and (where applicable) previous results. The effects associated with nuclear material inner radius, materials of reflectors, and reflector thickness are also investigated.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Optical Sensors for Monitoring Gamma and Neutron Radiation

For safety and efficiency, nuclear reactors must be carefully monitored to provide feedback that enables the fission rate to be held at a constant target level via adjustments in the position of neutron-absorbing rods and moderating coolant flow rates. For automated reactor control, the monitoring system should provide calibrated analog or digital output. The sensors must survive and produce reliable output with minimal drift for at least one to two years, for replacement only during refueling. Small sensor size is preferred to enable more sensors to be placed in the core for more detailed characterization of the local fission rate and fuel consumption, since local deviations from the norm tend to amplify themselves. Currently, reactors are monitored by local power range meters (LPRMs) based on the neutron flux or gamma thermometers based on the gamma flux. LPRMs tend to be bulky, while gamma thermometers are subject to unwanted drift. Both electronic reactor sensors are plagued by electrical noise induced by ionizing radiation near the reactor core. A fiber optic sensor system was developed that is capable of tracking thermal neutron fluence and gamma flux in order to monitor nuclear reactor fission rates. The system provides near-real-time feedback from small- profile probes that are not sensitive to electromagnetic noise. The key novel feature is the practical design of fiber optic radiation sensors. The use of an actinoid element to monitor neutron flux in fiber optic EFPI (extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric) sensors is a new use of material. The materials and structure used in the sensor construction can be adjusted to result in a sensor that is sensitive to just thermal, gamma, or neutron stimulus, or any combination of the three. The tested design showed low sensitivity to thermal and gamma stimuli and high sensitivity to neutrons, with a fast response time.

Boyd, Clark D.↗

Using the sound of nuclear energy

The generation of sound by heat has been documented as an “acoustical curiosity” since a Buddhist monk reported the loud tone generated by a ceremonial rice-cooker in his diary, in 1568. Over the last four decades, significant progress has been made in understanding “thermoacoustic processes,” enabling the design of thermoacoustic engines and refrigerators. Motivated by the Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster, we have developed and tested a thermoacoustic engine that exploits the energy-rich conditions in the core of a nuclear reactor to provide core condition information to the operators without a need for external electrical power. The heat engine is self-powered and can wirelessly transmit the temperature and reactor power level by generation of a pure tone which can be detected outside the reactor. We report here the first use of a fission-powered thermoacoustic engine capable of serving as a performance and safety sensor in the core of a research reactor and present data from the hydrophones in the coolant (far from the core) and an accelerometer attached to a structure outside the reactor. These measurements confirmed that the frequency of the sound produced indicates the reactor’s coolant temperature and that the amplitude (above an onset threshold) is related to the reactor’s operating power level. Furthermore, these signals can be detected even in the presence of substantial background noise generated by the reactor’s fluid pumps.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A Simplified Theory of Pile Noise

Here, a theoretical treatment is given of the statistical fluctuations in neutron population which occur in nuclear reactors. The absolute magnitude and frequency dependence of the spectral density of these fluctuations is obtained. The model used assumes that the fluctuations arise from a "noise-equivalent source" whose strength can be easily calculated from fundamental considerations. Calculations are also presented of the fundamental statistical errors in criticality measurements.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Best-estimate plus uncertainty thermal-hydraulic stability analysis of BWRs using TRACG code

Over the last decade, Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) power up-rates have increased plant rated power output significantly. Subsequent projects have expanded flow domains (e.g. MELLLA+) for operation at these higher power levels. This has resulted in an increase in the power to flow ratio in regions susceptible to reactor thermal-hydraulic instabilities. Since BWRs are susceptible to coupled thermal-hydraulic/nuclear oscillations when operating at these conditions, such oscillations must be prevented or reliably detected and suppressed. The Detect and Suppress Solution - Confirmation Density (DSS-CD) is the most sophisticated GEH BWR instability protection system ever employed. DSS-CD implements algorithms that monitor closely-spaced groups of Local Power Range Monitor (LPRM) detectors to detect periodic behavior typical of reactor instability events. This system is able to detect small, localized power variations in the core, distinguish between true instabilities and plant noise, and trip/scram the reactor while maintaining adequate safety margins. The combination of hardware, software, and system setpoints provides protection against violation of the Safety Limit Minimum Critical Power Ratio (SLMCPR) for anticipated oscillations. To support DSS-CD implementation, the TRACG system code is used to simulate events to confirm the capability of the DSS-CD solution for early oscillation detection and suppression. TRACG is a GEH proprietary version of the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC). TRACG includes a multi-dimensional, two-fluid model for the reactor thermal-hydraulics and a three-dimensional reactor kinetics model. The models are qualified to simulate a large variety of tests and reactor configurations, including thermal-hydraulic stability events. These features allow for detailed, best-estimate simulation of a wide range of BWR phenomena. A set of integrated TRACG event simulations for reasonably limiting anticipated events can be used to calculate the effect on the Minimum Critical Power Ratio (MCPR) performance. The purpose of the DSS-CD TRACG analysis is to confirm the inherent MCPR margin afforded by the solution design. This paper presents the Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty (BEPU) DSS-CD TRACG methodology and its application to BWR Thermal-Hydraulic (T-H) stability analyses. The statistical Code Scaling, Applicability and Uncertainty (CSAU) methodology (defined in NUREG/CR-5249) is used to calculate the MCPR uncertainty. The TRACG simulation includes a full core individual bundle model in which each fuel bundle is modeled as an individual T-H channel. The complete CSAU analysis of full core individual bundle model is an innovative solution represents the state-of-the-art stability analysis of BWRs and is the first ever full statistical analysis for stability safety analyses. The adoption of BEPU methodologies for stability analyses advances the understanding of the associated physical phenomena and maintains the safety of reactor plant operation in expanded operation domain with up-rated power. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Simulated Rossi-alpha analysis of an asymmetrically coupled bare metal HEU reactor system

The predictive capabilities of MCNP6 for neutron noise experiments are shown in a comparison to the results of a series of Rossi-alpha measurements performed by J. Mihalczo utilizing a coupled set of symmetrical bare HEU (high enrichment uranium) cylinders. The results from the ptrac simulations agree well with the historical measured values. A series of case studies were conducted to study the effects of geometrical asymmetry in the coupling between two bare metal HEU cylinders. The difficulty in observing such systems is due in part to the inability to determine the individual coupling coefficients from measurement: unlike the symmetrical cases, only the product of the values can be obtained. A method is proposed utilizing MCNP6 tally ratios to separate the coupling coefficients for such systems. This work provides insight into the behavior of asymmetrically-coupled systems as the separation distance between the two cores is changed and also as the asymmetry is increased. As the asymmetry increases, both the slower and the faster observable prompt neutron decay constants increase in magnitude. The coupling time constants are determined from the measured decay constants. As the separation distance increases, both coupling coefficients decrease as expected. Based on these findings, an effective computational method utilizing MCNP6 and the Rossi-alpha technique can be applied to the prediction of asymmetrical coupled system measurements. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Alternative analysis of the MINERVE ZPR oscillation experiments

Delayed neutrons are of fundamental importance in the field of nuclear reactor dynamics and control. However, the precursor yield fraction for a given nuclear reactor are dependent on the properties of the reactor. Thus, in-pile experiments, such as oscillation experiments are conducted in order to measure those values. In this work, an alternative analysis of the piston oscillation experiments that have been conducted in the MINERVE reactor in 2013 is performed. A new method which evolves effective terms that cancel out undesired drifts of the flux during the experiments is presented. The evaluation of the uncertainty on the values of the response function is also presented. Moreover, the effective delayed neutron fraction β{sub eff} is evaluated and is compared to results in previous works. As the analysis has led to an estimation of β{sub eff} with a large uncertainty, it has been deduced that the oscillation experiments that have been conducted in MINERVE are not a reliable method of experimentation to determine the value of β{sub eff} in the reactor and that the noise experiments are better suited for that purpose.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

ADAPTATION OF CRACK GROWTH DETECTION TECHNIQUES TO US MATERIAL TEST REACTORS

A key component in evaluating the ability of Light Water Reactors to operate beyond 60 years is characterizing the degradation of materials exposed to radiation and various water chemistries. Of particular concern is the response of reactor materials to Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (IASCC). Some test reactors outside the United States, such as the Halden Boiling Water Reactor (HBWR), have developed techniques to measure crack growth propagation during irradiation. The basic approach is to use a custom-designed compact loading mechanism to stress the specimen during irradiation, while the crack in the specimen is monitored in-situ using the Direct Current Potential Drop (DCPD) method. In 2012 the US Department of Energy commissioned the Idaho National Laboratory and the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (MIT NRL) to take the basic concepts developed at the HBWR and adapt them to a test rig capable of conducting in-pile IASCC tests in US Material Test Reactors. The first two and half years of the project consisted of designing and testing the loader mechanism, testing individual components of the in-pile rig and electronic support equipment, and autoclave testing of the rig design prior to insertion in the MIT Reactor. The load was applied to the specimen by means of a scissor like mechanism, actuated by a miniature metal bellows driven by pneumatic pressure and sized to fit within the small in-core irradiation volume. In addition to the loader design, technical challenges included developing robust connections to the specimen for the applied current and voltage measurements, appropriate ceramic insulating materials that can endure the LWR environment, dealing with the high electromagnetic noise environment of a reactor core at full power, and accommodating material property changes in the specimen, due primarily to fast neutron damage, which change the specimen resistance without additional crack growth. The project culminated with an in-pile demonstration at the MIT Reactor. The test rig and associated support equipment were used to apply loads to a representative Compact Tensile specimen during one MITR operating cycle, while measuring crack growth using the DCPD method. Although the test period was short (approximately 70 days), and the accumulated neutron dose relatively small, successful operation of the test rig was demonstrated. The specimen was cycled more than 8000 times (more than would be typical for a long term IASCC test), which was sufficient to propagate a crack of over 2 mm.

Crack Growth↗

Neutron lifetimes behavior analysis considering the two-region kinetic model in the IPEN/MB-01 reactor

This is a complementary work about the behavior analysis of the neutron lifetimes that was developed in the IPEN/MB-01 nuclear reactor facility. The macroscopic neutron noise technique was experimentally employed using pulse mode detectors for two stages of control rods insertion, where a total of twenty levels of subcriticality have been carried out. It was also considered that the neutron reflector density was treated as an additional group of delayed neutrons, being a sophisticated approach in the two-region kinetic theoretical model.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Results of the engineering run of the Coherent Neutrino Nucleus Interaction Experiment (CONNIE)

The CONNIE detector prototype is operating at a distance of 30 m from the core of a 3.8 GW(th) nuclear reactor with the goal of establishing Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) as a new technology for the detection of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. We report on the results of the engineering run with an active mass of 4 g of silicon. The CCD array is described, and the performance observed during the first year is discussed. A compact passive shield was deployed around the detector, producing an order of magnitude reduction in the background rate. The remaining background observed during the run was stable, and dominated by internal contamination in the detector packaging materials. The in-situ calibration of the detector using X-ray lines from fluorescence demonstrates good stability of the readout system. The event rates with the reactor ON and OFF are compared, and no excess is observed coming from nuclear fission at the power plant. The upper limit for the neutrino event rate is set two orders of magnitude above the expectations for the standard model. The results demonstrate the cryogenic CCD-based detector can be remotely operated at the reactor site with stable noise below 2 e – RMS and stable background rates. In conclusion, the success of the engineering test provides a clear path for the upgraded 100 g detector to be deployed during 2016.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 33, No. 1, January-March 1992]

Nuclear Safety is a review journal that covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. Its scope includes the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, the safety aspects of the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 1 Technical Note: A New Approach to Fission Reactor Safety, Yu. V. Petrov; 5 Erratum; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 6 Analysis and Modeling of Fission Product Release from Various Uranium-Aluminum Plate-Type Reactor Fuels, R. P. Taleyarkhan; CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 23 Applications of a Surveillance and Diagnostics Methodology Using Neutron Noise From a Pressurized-Water Reactor, R. T. Wood, L. F. Miller, and R. B. Perez; DESIGN FEATURES: 36 Westinghouse Advanced Passive 600 Plant, B. A. McIntyre and R. K. Beck; 47 System 80+™ PWR Safety Design, C. W. Bagnal, R. A. Matzie, and R. S. Turk; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: 58 The MATS Experiments—Mesoscale Atmospheric Transport Studies at the Savannah River Site, A. H. Weber, S. Berman, R. J. Kurzeja, and R. P. Addis; 75 Book Review: Environmental Radioactivity in the European Community 1984-1985-1986, C. A. Little; WASTE AND SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT: 76 Activities Related to Waste and Spent Fuel Management, M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 87 Aging Assessment of BWR Control Rod Drive Systems, R. H. Greene; 100 Reactor Shutdown Experience, Compiled by J. W. Cletcher; 103 Selected Safety-Related Events, Compiled by G. A. Murphy; 110 Operating U.S. Power Reactors, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 129 General Administrative Activities, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; 139 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides, D. S. Queener; 143 Proposed Rule Changes as of Sept. 30 1991; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 128 Harvard School of Public Health Announces Short Courses; 128 16th Biennial ANS Topical Meeting on Reactor Operating Experience: Present and Future Technologies—Applying Lessons Learned (Call for Papers); 147 The Authors; 150 Indexes to Nuclear Safety, Volume 32; 154 Errata.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 33, No. 1, January-March 1992]

Nuclear Safety is a review journal that covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. Its scope includes the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, the safety aspects of the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 1 Technical Note: A New Approach to Fission Reactor Safety, Yu. V. Petrov; 5 Erratum; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 6 Analysis and Modeling of Fission Product Release from Various Uranium-Aluminum Plate-Type Reactor Fuels, R. P. Taleyarkhan; CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 23 Applications of a Surveillance and Diagnostics Methodology Using Neutron Noise From a Pressurized-Water Reactor, R. T. Wood, L. F. Miller, and R. B. Perez; DESIGN FEATURES: 36 Westinghouse Advanced Passive 600 Plant, B. A. McIntyre and R. K. Beck; 47 System 80+™ PWR Safety Design, C. W. Bagnal, R. A. Matzie, and R. S. Turk; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: 58 The MATS Experiments—Mesoscale Atmospheric Transport Studies at the Savannah River Site, A. H. Weber, S. Berman, R. J. Kurzeja, and R. P. Addis; 75 Book Review: Environmental Radioactivity in the European Community 1984-1985-1986, C. A. Little; WASTE AND SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT: 76 Activities Related to Waste and Spent Fuel Management, M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 87 Aging Assessment of BWR Control Rod Drive Systems, R. H. Greene; 100 Reactor Shutdown Experience, Compiled by J. W. Cletcher; 103 Selected Safety-Related Events, Compiled by G. A. Murphy; 110 Operating U.S. Power Reactors, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 129 General Administrative Activities, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; 139 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides, D. S. Queener; 143 Proposed Rule Changes as of Sept. 30 1991; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 128 Harvard School of Public Health Announces Short Courses; 128 16th Biennial ANS Topical Meeting on Reactor Operating Experience: Present and Future Technologies—Applying Lessons Learned (Call for Papers); 147 The Authors; 150 Indexes to Nuclear Safety, Volume 32; 154 Errata.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗