Scribd
Upload
1K views

Four Factor Formula

The document defines the infinite multiplication factor (k∞) as a measure of the change in the fission neutron population from one neutron generation to the next in an infinitely large multiplying system. It describes k∞ in terms of four factors: fast fission factor, resonance escape probability, thermal utilization factor, and reproduction factor. It then defines the effective multiplication factor (keff) as the ratio for a finite system accounting for neutron leakage, expressed using k∞ and factors for fast and thermal non-leakage probability. Finally, it notes that many operational factors can affect keff in a nuclear reactor and influence its criticality.

Uploaded by

Moshin Siddique
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views

Four Factor Formula

The document defines the infinite multiplication factor (k∞) as a measure of the change in the fission neutron population from one neutron generation to the next in an infinitely large multiplying system. It describes k∞ in terms of four factors: fast fission factor, resonance escape probability, thermal utilization factor, and reproduction factor. It then defines the effective multiplication factor (keff) as the ratio for a finite system accounting for neutron leakage, expressed using k∞ and factors for fast and thermal non-leakage probability. Finally, it notes that many operational factors can affect keff in a nuclear reactor and influence its criticality.

Uploaded by

Moshin Siddique
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Four Factor Formula – Infinite

Multiplication Factor
Contents [show]

Infinite Multiplication Factor


In this section, the infinite multiplication factor, which describes all the possible events
in the life of a neutron and effectively describes the state of an infinite multiplying
system, will be defined.
The required condition for a stable, self-sustained fission chain reaction in a
multiplying system (in a nuclear reactor) is that exactly every fission initiate another
fission. The minimum condition is for each nucleus undergoing fission to produce, on
the average, at least one neutron that causes fission of another nucleus. Also the number
of fissions occurring per unit time (the reaction rate) within the system must be constant.
This condition can be expressed conveniently in terms of the multiplication factor. The
infinite multiplication factor is the ratio of the neutrons produced by fission in
one neutron generation to the number of neutrons lost through absorption in the
preceding neutron generation. This can be expressed mathematically as shown below.

It is obvious the infinite multiplication factor in a multiplying system is a measure of


the change in the fission neutron population from one neutron generation to the
subsequent generation.
 k∞ < 1. If the multiplication factor for a multiplying system is less than 1.0, then
the number of neutrons is decreasing in time (with the mean generation time)
and the chain reaction will never be self-sustaining. This condition is known
as the subcritical state.
 k∞ = 1. If the multiplication factor for a multiplying system is equal to 1.0, then
there is no change in neutron population in time and the chain reaction will
be self-sustaining. This condition is known as the critical state.
 k∞ > 1. If the multiplication factor for a multiplying system is greater than 1.0,
then the multiplying system produces more neutrons than are needed to be self-
sustaining. The number of neutrons is exponentially increasing in time (with the
mean generation time). This condition is known as the supercritical state.

From the multiplication factor to the reactor control


Four Factor Formula
But the infinite multiplication factor can be defined also in terms of the most
important neutron-physical processes that occur in the nuclear reactor. For simplicity,
we will first consider a multiplying system that is infinitely large, and therefore has no
neutron leakage. In the infinite system. There are four factors that are completely
independent of the size and shape of the reactor that describe the inherent
multiplication abilityof the fuel and moderator materials without regard to leakage:

Fast Fission Factor

Resonance Escape Probability

Thermal Utilization Factor

Reproduction Factor

See also: Fast Fission Factor


See also: Resonance Escape Probability
See also: Thermal Utilization Factor
See also: Reproduction Factor

The infinite multiplication factor (k∞) may be expressed mathematically in terms of these
factors by following equation, usually known as the four factor formula:
k∞ = η.ε.p.f
In reactor physics, k∞ or its finite form keff is the most significant parameter with regard to
reactor control. At any specific power level or condition of the reactor, keff is kept as
nearto the value of 1.0 as possible. At this point in operation, the neutron balance is
kept to exactly one neutron completing the life cycle for each original neutron absorbed
in the fuel.

From infinite to effective multiplication factor


The infinite multiplication factor is derived based on the assumption of no neutrons
leak out of the reactor(i.e. a reactor is infinitely large). But in reality, each nuclear
reactor is finite and neutrons can leak out of the reactor core. The multiplication factor
that takes neutron leakage into account is the effective multiplication factor – keff,
which is defined as the ratio of the neutrons produced by fission in one neutron
generation to the number of neutrons lost through absorption and leakage in the
preceding neutron generation.The effective multiplication factor (keff) may be expressed
mathematically in terms of the infinite multiplication factor (k∞) and two additional
factors which account for neutron leakage during neutron thermalisation (fast non-
leakage probability) and neutron leakage during neutron diffusion (thermal non-
leakage probability) by following equation, usually known as the six factor formula:
keff = k∞ . Pf . Pt

Six Factor Formula - Fast Reactors

Fast vs. Thermal Flux Spectrum


Neutron Life Cycle with keff = 1

Operational factors that affect the multiplication in PWRs.


Detailed knowledge of all possible operational factors that may affect the multiplication
factor of the system are of importance in the reactor control. It was stated the keff is
during reactor operation kept as near to the value of 1.0 as possible. The criticality of
the reactor is influenced by many factors. For illustration, in an extreme case also the
presence of human (due to the water, carbon, which are good neutron moderators) near
fresh uranium fuel assembly influences the multiplication properties of the assembly.If
any operational factor changes one of the contributing factors to keff (keff = η.ε.p.f.Pf.Pt),
the ratio of 1.0 is not maintained and this change in keff makes the reactor
either subcritical or supercritical. Some examples of these operational changes, that
may take place in PWRs, are below and are described in a separate article in detail.

You might also like