Safety analysis of neutron flux optimization in irradiation channels at the NUR research reactor

Prior to core reloading, planned power upgrading, or as a part of required analyses of past events, accurate safety evaluations should be carried out. Generally speaking, the content of a safety report has to be modified whenever a new type or design of fuel is to be used in a reactor core. As the existing plants have well established licensing procedures, including well founded analysis methods, the application of new analysis methods has to be thoroughly evaluated, with specific emphasis on their capability of producing results beneficial to reactor operation. The detailed study presented here was carried out so as to insure that the allowed operational safety limits of the NUR research reactor are not exceeded under any circumstances.