Introduction

Abstract

The intent of this book is to present a comprehensive review of a sensitivity-based methodology developed to utilize differential and integral information in the estimation of reactor performance parameters and their associated uncertainties. It is generally recognized that uncertainties in calculated reactor design parameters such as breeding ratio, power distribution, reactivity worth, etc. may necessitate excessive and expensive design margins. For example, adequate design margins are required to account for uncertainties in the predicted peak thermal power which affects fuel and cladding temperatures, and fluence-induced creep and swelling in structural materials. Additional design margins are included to account for uncertainties in required enrichment. Excess reactivity results in increased control requirements while underprediction of enrichment would require limiting operating conditions. Thus, the establishment of a systematic approach for quantifying these uncertainties and assessing their principal components is a necessary step before a significant reduction in these uncertainties, and the associated design margins, can be achieved. The necessary complex techniques now have become fairly well developed and deserve a comprehensive review and evaluation of the type presented here.