The effect of intermittent operation on local fission rate in the McMaster nuclear reactor

The McMaster Nuclear Reactor operates on a 16-hr/day/5-day/week schedule causing cyclic loading of Xenon in the core and requiring compensation by the control systems to maintain operations. The constant control rod interaction affects local fission rates. This paper confirms the relationship between Xenon load and control rod movement and studies the relationship between local fission rate and control rod insertion. The results provide …