We are glad to bring to your attention a new preprint «On the Limits of Oscillatory Instability of Pulsed Reactors of Periodic Operation» P13-2020-6 published by the JINR Publishing Department. The authors of the work are Pepelyshev Yu. N., Popov A. K., Sumkhuu D., Rogov A. D..

Abstract:

On the basis of experimental and model researches carried out at the IBR-2 and IBR-2M reactors, it has been shown that pulsed reactors of periodic operation (PRPO) have fundamental limitations on stability. At the same time degradation changes in the core of the PRPO lead to a strong weakening of the fast power feedback, which causes the appearance of oscillatory instability. For safety purposes, the PRPO power even for fresh fuel is limited to 2 – 3 MW. There is also a strong instability of fast power feedback parameters with energy production, which leads to corresponding changes in the dynamics of the pulsed reactor. Comprehensive research to ensure safe operation of the IBR-2M is required.

The investigation has been performed at the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, JINR.

Read the full version (in Russian)