Neutron Diffusion Waves In CANDU Reactors

Abstract

Neutron noise, i.e. the difference between the time dependent neutron flux and its average, is used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes in nuclear reactors. Neutron diffusion waves, which can be used for noise analysis, describe the propagation of neutron flux disturbances in a nuclear reactor.Neutron diffusion waves allow, in principle, the determination of sources of neutron flux variations in a nuclear reactor, so they can be used as an additional diagnostic tool. A model was developed to explore the properties of such waves.Preliminary results on neutron diffusion waves in CANDU reactors are presented. The results include information on dispersion relations for the neutron waves and interference effects involved in neutron wave propagation.