Detailed evaluation of ET-RR-2 neutronic design: approach to criticality

The ET-RR-2 safety analysis evaluation e€ort included the assessment of the reactor core nuclear design parameters. The present work complements the previous e€ort of neutronic calculations using NCNSRC computer code packages. This paper is the ®rst in comprehensive neutronic calculation assessment up to the equilibrium core. It deals with evaluation of neu- tronic calculation submitted during the early phase of the licensing process; namely the pro- posal to assemble the ®rst critical core, calculation of power peaking factor and determination of detailed energy group ¯ux distribution in the core particularly in the cobalt irradiation position. The neutronic design criteria are examined qualitatively and quantitatively in the present paper.