Precision method of measuring heat release in critical assemblies

At the present time the most widely used methods of studying the total volumetric heat-release rate in critical assemblies are the calorimetric method and a method using thermoluminiscent dosimeters. Here a method is proposed based on the measurement of the dynamics of temperature distributions in various parts of the critical assembly as a function of the reactor power. The heat-release rate at the center of the volume under study is measured with a temperature sensing device which makes reliable thermal contact with the structural elements. 6 refs