Computational-experimental studies of the neutronics of the SM reactor with different variants of the neutron-trap arrangement

• Published in: Atomic energy (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2009-08, Vol.107 (2), p.77-84
• Main Authors: Krasnov, Yu. A., Lichadeev, V. V., Malkov, A. P., Petelin, A. L., Ryazanov, D. K., Shimanskii, G. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum; Beryllium; Cadmium; Codes; Energy; Experimental methods; Experiments; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Monte Carlo simulation; Neutrons; Nuclear Chemistry; Nuclear Energy; Nuclear Physics; Nuclear reactors; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Reactors; Research methodology; Scientific imaging; Sensors; Studies; Temperature effects
• ISSN: 1063-4258; 1573-8205
• DOI: 10.1007/s10512-009-9199-x

The results of experimental studies of the neutronics of the high-flux SM reactor with different arrangements of the neutron trap are presented. The MCU series of high-precision computer programs implementing the Monte Carlo method is used for computations. Experimental data on reactivity effects, the effectiveness of safety and control rods, and the coefficients of nonuniformity of energy release in the core have been obtained in experiments on a critical assembly – a physical model of the SM reactor – and directly in experiments in the reactor. The error is 4.2–10% in determining the reactivity parameters and 5–10% for the relative energy release in the fuel elements. Information on the neutron field formed in the volume of the neutron trap has been obtained for two arrangements of the beryllium and water moderators. The differential and integral energy spectra of the neutrons in the energy interval from 0.5 eV to 20 MeV are obtained for three points inside the trap (external, central series, center). The flux density of thermal, superthemal, and fast neutrons are determined.