Noise Techniques in Nuclear Systems

Abstract

This chapter deals with neutron fluctuations in nuclear systems. Such neutron fluctuations, or neutron noise, fall into two categories: neutron noise in zero power systems and neutron noise in power reactors. The concepts, the theory, and the methodology of these fluctuations as well as their various applications for extracting information in a nonintrusive way about the system in question are described. A number of specific applications are described, where detection and analysis of zero power and power reactor noise make it possible to extract diagnostic information about the system by determining some parameters of the system during normal operation, or by detecting, identifying, and quantifying developing anomalies at an early stage and determining their severity. This chapter ends with an outline of future developments and actual issues in the field.