RE: submarines and Norm

[Tim <tstead@ntirs.org>]

I'd like to know a few things, if anyone can comment

on them.  If any of the answers to these questions are

classified, then I understand.



I understand that the reactors are operated

continuously with the control rods partially inserted.

 How does this affect the reactor parameters like

axial tilt and Xe oscillations that would normally

wreck havoc on a commercial core operated continuously

with the rods partially inserted?



It would seem to me that the cores should be designed

(esp with a sub) such that the maximum -rho inserted

from the maximum Xe & Sm buildup combined will not

Xe-bind the core on a SCRAM and allow the sub to

restart without sinking.  Is this why they are so

highly enriched and only operated ~30% full power?



What about a rod ejection and possible prompt

criticality?



Again, I understand if these questions can not be

answered really, but it never hurts to ask :)



Regards,

Tim S.



P.S. Remember, when a standard PWR fuel assembly is

removed from the core as "waste", only ~7% of it is

actual waste.  Plus, I doubt the actual fuel rods

could withstand irradiation for 20 years without

cladding failure.  If I am wrong, then please correct

me.



You can design a core where the fuel will last many

years but if the cladding cannot last that long then

what good is it?



--- "Richard F. Orthen" <rorthen@earthsciences.net>

wrote:

> I don't believe the Defense Dept would appreciate

> letting the world know

> that nearly half the fuel is left after 15 years.

> 

> Rick Orthen

> rorthen@earthsciences.net

> 

> 

> 

> 

>

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