Perturbation theory approach to fuel management study of the pebble bed reactor.

Abstract

A method is proposed, based on perturbation theory, to assess the relative merits of fuel management schemes for the pebble bed reactor. The method is suitable for multi-group treatment and could be applied to other continuously fuelled reactors. As a specific example the computer code N.l.B. is developed based on spectrum weighted one-group treatment. Preliminary reactivity lifetime investigations are described. Some power density calculations are also reported for a random distribution of the pebbles.