Application of reflected kinetics to nuclear space reactor scoping studies

One of the most important considerations in using nuclear reactors in space is that of reactor kinetics and control. A unique control environment exists due to the replacement of control rods with reflecting control drums in most space reactor designs. The objective of this paper is to present a model of a multireflected space reactor that will accurately describe the transient response of the system and can be used in the development of a multivariable automatic controller. Open loop sensitivity studies done with the RK model, has qualitatively reproduced expected responses with minimal computational effort. When the linearized model is coupled to an automatic controller, the resulting closed loop system can be used to demonstrate that a proposed design can (or cannot) deliver the requested power responses. The success of the model under analysis was found to be a strong function of the controller. Details of the controller designs and their implications on closed loop system performances are discussed in the final paper