Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Results of Model Testing for Calculating Neutron-Physical Characteristics of the RBT-10/2 Reactor Core Based on Operational Data

3/27/2026 2026 - #01 Modelling processes at nuclear facilities

Efimov E.I. Pimenov V.V. Malkov A.P.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.1.10

UDC: 621.039.51

The paper presents the results of testing the neutron-physics model of the RBT-10/2 reactor core developed using the precision MCU code. The testing was performed against data recorded in the reactor’s operating documentation over almost four years (October 2021 – July 2025) after its conversion to a new fuel type with increased 235U content. The analysis utilized reactor power, control rod positions, coolant temperature, and records of fuel and irradiation device reloads. An analysis of the simulated critical states shows satisfactory agreement with experimental data: the mean calculated reactivity for the entire modeled period is 0.22% Dk/k, with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.14% Dk/k. Reactivity jumps between campaigns were attributed to uncertainties in burnup determination of loaded fuel, while intra-campaign trends were linked to inaccuracies in power and fuel composition tracking. Despite this, the deviation range within most campaigns did not exceed 0.25% Dk/k, with a maximum of 0.45% Dk/k. The results confirm the model’s adequacy for predicting campaign duration, fuel burnup, and reactivity effects during reloads.

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RBT-10/2 reactor neutron-physical characteristics computational model calculation code MCU fuel burnup reactor campaign simulation

Link for citing the article: Efimov E.I., Pimenov V.V., Malkov A.P. Results of Model Testing for Calculating Neutron-Physical Characteristics of the RBT-10/2 Reactor Core Based on Operational Data. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2026, no. 1, pp. 122-132; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.1.10 (in Russian).

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