The Analysis with Code TANK of a Postulated Reactivity-Insertion Transient in a 10-MW MAPLE Research Reactor

Abstract

This paper discusses the analysis of a postulated loss-of-regulation (LOR) accident in a metal-fuelled MAPLE research reactor. The selected transient scenario involves a slow LOR from low reactor power: the control rods are assumed to withdraw slowly until a trip at 12 MW halts the withdrawal. The simulation was performed using the space-time reactor kinetics computer code TANK, modelling the reactor in detail in two dimensions and in two neutron-energy groups. Emphasis in this paper is placed on the modelling techniques used in TANK and the physics considerations of the analysis.