Power profile in finite cylindrical reactor

Please recall the neutron flux profile for a cylindrical reactor

(1)

Recalling the relationship between reactor power per unit volume (P’’) and neutron
flux (), we have

P’’=Ef Nf (z,r) f f (2)

Substituting Eq. (1) in Eq. (2) we get,

(3)

Equation (3) may be simplified as:

(4)
(4
where K’’ = Ef Nf f f

Equation (4) relates the heat generated as a function of distance from the centre of the
cylinder and as function of distance from the bottom. Equation (1) is similar to Eq. (4)
with K’’ of Eq. (4) replaced by 0 in Eq. (1). Hence profile of reactor power as a
function of distance from the centre will be qualitatively similar to neutron flux
profiles as shown in Figure 1 of the previous lecture.
 Temperature distribution in cylindrical fuel elements
Analogous to the prediction of temperature profile for an infinite slab reactor, the
temperature profile in cylindrical fuel elements can also be obtained by the solution of
one-dimensional, steady-state energy balance equation with heat generation in
cylindrical coordinates. This is shown as Equation (5)


(5)

To begin with, let us solve Eq. (5) for the case of uniform volumetric rate of heat
generation, Pavg”

Equation (5) becomes

(6)

The temperature will be maximum at the centre of the fuel element. Hence one of the
boundary conditions is

At r = 0; dT/dr = 0 (7)

Let the temperature on the outer surface of the fuel be TS. Accordingly, the second
boundary condition is

At r = R; T = TS (8)

To solve Eq. (6) using the boundary conditions given in Eq. (7) and Eq. (8), we may
rearrange Eq. (6) as follows:

(9)

Integrating Eq. (9),

(10)

Applying the first boundary condition (r =0; dT/dr = 0) gives C1 = 0 and Eq. (10)
 (11)

Integrating Eq. (11), we get

(12)

Applying the second boundary condition (r = R; T = TS), we get

(13)

Substitution of Eq. (13) in Eq. (6) gives

(14)

Re-arranging Eq. (14),