Two group theory for exploratory HTGC reactor calculation

Abstract

A method is described for the manipulation of the solutions of two-group diffusion theory for a reflected sphere. Matrices are used to give a simple treatment useful for practical computation. The critical equation is formulated in terms of a second-order determinant only, which yields a measure of the amount of hypothetical absorber required between core and reflector for criticality and therefore a basis for a comparative study of systems. Sufficient equations are presented to enable both flux and adjoint flux distributions to be calculated. In addition, the basic results for the formulation of the critical equation for cylinders with either radical or end reflectors are given.