Reactor physics calculations and their experimental validation for conversion and upgrading of a typical swimming pool type research reactor

Detailed neutronic analysis of a typical swimming pool type research reacto r, Pakistan Research Reactor-1 (PARR-1), was carried out for conversion of its core from 93% highly enriched uranium to 20% low enriched uranium fuel with power upgrading from 5 to 10 MW. Standard computer codes WIMS-D/4 and CITATION were employed to calculate core excess reactivity, power defect, r eactivity effect of xenon and samarium, reactivity worth of fuel element, w orth of control rods, shutdown margin, reactivity feedback coefficients, ne utron flux and power peaking factors. A series of low and high power tests were performed on the newly converted core to determine its performance. A comparison between the calculated and measured results is presented in this article. The agreement is generally good. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.