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22.05 Reactor Physics - Part Thirty-One: Shutdown Margin
22.05 Reactor Physics - Part Thirty-One: Shutdown Margin
22.05 Reactor Physics - Part Thirty-One: Shutdown Margin
Shutdown Margin
1. Shutdown Margin:
Δk/k
Axial Position L
0
Integral
Worth
Δk/k
0 L LL
Axial Position
L. The differential worth curve peaks at L/2, the core mid-plane, where the flux is
at a maximum.
Integration of the differential curve given the integral reactivity worth curve. It
gives reactivity as a function of distance. Note its “S” shape appearance. It rises
most rapidly at the core mid-plane.
Either curve can be used to calculate the effect of moving a control device.
Suppose a device is to be moved from 0.5L to 0.6L.
b) Integral: Read off the worths at 0.5L and 0.6L. The difference is the
effect of the withdrawal.
4. Calculation of SDM:
SDM can be calculated once reactivity worth curves are known for all variable
parameters that can affect reactivity. Attached is a set for the MIT Research
Reactor. These include the integral worth of the shim bank, the reactivity change
associated with temperature, and that associated with xenon. The latter is for a
particular power history. In this case, it is operation at full power for weeks (i.e.,
an infinite time) followed by a shutdown.
With Burnable
Poison
Time