FRINK - A Code to Evaluate Space Reactor Transients

One of the biggest needs for space reactor design and development is detailed system modeling. Most proposed space fission systems are very different from previously operated fission power systems, and extensive testing and modeling will be required to demonstrate integrated system performance. There are also some aspects of space reactors that make them unique from most terrestrial application, and require different modeling approaches. The Fission Reactor Integrated Nuclear Kinetics (FRINK) code was developed to evaluate simplified space reactor transients (note: the term “space reactor” inherently includes planetary and lunar surface reactors). FRINK is an integrated point kinetic/thermal‐hydraulic transient analysis FORTRAN code — “integrated” refers to the simultaneous solution of the thermal and neutronic equations. In its current state FRINK is a very simple system model, perhaps better referred to as a reactor model. The “system” only extends to the primary loop power removal boundary condition; h...