Modeling neutron dynamics in nuclear reactor using fractional-order point reactor kinetics model with adiabatic temperature feedback

This paper deals with the development and analysis of fractional-order (FO) point reactor kinetics (FPRK) model with reactivity feedback for a nuclear reactor. Incorporation of adiabatic temperature feedback of reactivity makes this model nonlinear. It basically forms a system of coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The nonlinear subprompt critical FPRK model is developed and analyzed in detail. Fundamental motivation for this model is the fact that neutron transport inside the core of a reactor is truly a subdiffusion. The work presented here analyzes the effect of temperature feedback on the neutron concentration dynamics inside reactor core which is modeled using fractional differential equations. The system of nonlinear differential equations is solved numerically. The analysis clearly establishes the fact that the proposed model is ‘stable’ in the sense that it predicts self-limitting power excursions. The model presented in this paper constitutes an important step in the development of fractional-order model for a nuclear reactor, which can be used to achieve better control and operation.