Solutions of the point reactor kinetics equations and interpretation

Abstract Solutions of the zero-power reactor for different forms of reactivity perturbations, are solved numerically for a typical reactor using parameters stated in Chapter 3 . The response of point reactor kinetic equations to small perturbations and large perturbations are discussed. The ‘stable’ reactor period, defined by the inverse of the smallest exponent in the solution of the kinetics equations, is defined. This magnitude of this parameter has safety implication, governing the rate at which power excursion results due to a reactivity insertion. The kinetics equations are transformed to the Laplace domain and the reactor dynamics is represented as a transfer function between reactor power and reactivity, in an algebraic form. The transfer function is then used to evaluate the frequency domain response of a zero-power reactor. Preliminary results of application to a fluid-fuel reactor conclude the discussion of solution of reactor kinetics equations.