Characterization of a new reduced-height CALORRE differential calorimeter for CALOR-I Irradiation in MITR

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary characterization of a new reduced-height CALORRE differential calorimeter designed and fabricated for the irradiation in the MITR within the framework of the CALOR-I program. The paper begins by focusing on the preparation of the irradiation campaign, providing a brief and concise description of the MITR core and the newly fabricated differential calorimeter assembly. Next, the paper presents the preliminary experimental characterization conducted under laboratory conditions. This section includes a detailed presentation of the updated experimental set-up and the key metrological characteristics of the sensor response obtained from the first experimental results. Furthermore, the paper estimates and highlights the responses of the calorimeter calculated by means of a 3-D numerical thermal model under real conditions considering local heat sources determined by the NRL of the MIT using MCNP code. In conclusion, the paper offers some final remarks and prospects to realize the irradiation campaign successfully.

Keywords

• calorimeter
• nuclear heating rate
• on-line measurements
• calibration
• irradiation campaign