Role of research reactors in reactor development programs for developing countries with special reference to UAR experience

Several research reactors are in operation in the world today as sources of neutrons for physics research and isotope production; in addition reactor development programs can be carried out within such reactor facilities. Such facilities can also be used to train suitable personnel as operators for research or power reactors, for research in nuclear science and engineering, for the evaluation of new projects and designs of nuclear reactors and finally for designing and executing new reactor components or projects. The operation and maintenance of the reactor facility is used for training engineers, scientists and technicians and it is recommended that the staff be sufficient to cover both operational and research and development needs. Theoretical and experimental groups can be formed specializing in reactor statics, reactor kinetics, heat transfer and reactor control. At an early stage the work of these groups should be directed towards the improvement and better utilization of the reactor facility, at a later stage a reactor concept can be formulated and development activities oriented towards it. The paper gives a short survey of the activities in the above fields carried out at the laboratories of the Reactors Department of the UAR Atomic Energy Establishment. In the field of reactor statics and kinetics studies were made on the core parameters of the UA-RR-1. In heat transfer studies an out-of-pile loop was constructed and reactor fuel was simulated. Reactor control studies were directed to modifying the UA-RR-1 control by introducing an automatic start-up and by modernizing some components. At a later stage studies of a fundamental nature were started. Computational codes covering some aspects of reactor calculations were developed. The problems of transients and boiling heat transfer are being investigated theoretically and experimentally and some control problems are being studied. (author)