Numerical simulation of non-steady state neutron kinetics of the TRIGA Mark II reactor Vienna

TL;DR

This paper introduces a numerical algorithm for simulating non-steady state neutron kinetics in the TRIGA Mark II reactor, accurately modeling reactivity changes and feedback effects without relying on complex thermal-hydraulic/neutronic codes.

Contribution

It develops a novel algorithm that generates neutron flux time series considering reactivity feedbacks, validated against experimental data for the TRIGA Mark II reactor.

Findings

The algorithm accurately predicts neutron flux time series after reactivity perturbations.

Validation shows good agreement with experimental measurements.

The method simplifies simulations by avoiding complex coupled code systems.

Abstract

This paper presents an algorithm for numerical simulations of non-steady states of the TRIGA MARK II reactor in Vienna, Austria. The primary focus of this work has been the development of an algorithm which provides time series of integral neutron flux after reactivity changes introduced by perturbations without the usage of thermal-hydraulic / neutronic numerical code systems for the TRIGA reactor in Vienna, Austria. The algorithm presented takes into account both external reactivity changes as well as internal reactivity changes caused by feedback mechanisms like effects caused by temperature changes of the fuel and poisoning effects. The resulting time series have been compared to experimental results.