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Neutron lifetimes and void coefficients for research reactors
Author(s) -
Pigford Thomas H.,
Troost Marius,
Powell James R.,
Benedict Manson
Publication year - 1956
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690020218
Subject(s) - heavy water , beryllium , light water reactor , research reactor , neutron , graphite , neutron poison , nuclear physics , void (composites) , porosity , nuclear engineering , neutron temperature , neutron flux , beryllium oxide , radiochemistry , chemistry , materials science , physics , composite material , deuterium , engineering
Prompt neutron lifetimes and viod coefficients were calculated for research reactors using M.T.R.‐type fuel elements, moderators of light and heavy water, and reflectors of light water, heavy water, graphite, and beryllium. Heavy‐water‐reflected and ‐moderated research reactors may have neutron lifetimes of the order of 0.001 sec. as compared with about 0.00006 sec. for a light‐water‐reflected and ‐moderated research reactor. Lifetime of the light‐water core can be improved considerably by use of better reflectors, but at a substantial reduction and even reversal in sign of the void coefficient.