Developing a basis for predicting and assessing trends in BWR core tracking

In the process of designing a boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel cycle, it is necessary to estimate the bias eigenvalue trend or nuclear design basis, which has a large effect on the cycle parameters. Currently, the history of previous cycles is used as a basis, but due to increasing demands of higher energy output per cycle, and unexpected events during a cycle, predictions become challenging. To aid in developing a basis for making predictions, various perturbations in the areas of fuel manufacturing and plant measurement were studied in a multicycle analysis. These perturbations have a range of effects on several different cycle parameters. The results of this study are intended to assist in the prediction and assessment of trends in the BWR industry. (authors)