ESADA Plutonium Program Critical Experiments: Power Distribution Measurements

In 1967, a series of critical experiments were conducted at the Westinghouse Reactor Evaluation Center (WREC) using mixed-oxide (MOX) PuO2-UO2 and/or UO2 fuels in various lattices and configurations. These experiments were performed under the joint sponsorship of Empire State Atomic Development Associates (ESADA) plutonium program and Westinghouse. The purpose of these experiments was to develop experimental data useful in validating analytical methods used in the design of plutonium-bearing replacement fuel for water reactors. Three different fuel types were used during the experimental program: two MOX fuels and a low-enriched UO2 fuel. The MOX fuels were distinguished by their 240Pu content: 8 wt % 240Pu and 24 wt % 240Pu. Both MOX fuels contained 2.0 wt % PuO2 in natural UO2. The UO2 fuel with 2.72 wt % enrichment was used for comparison with the plutonium data and for use in multiregion experiments.