Experimental and numerical results for a new single-cell calorimeter dedicated to nuclear heating rate measurement

Abstract

This paper presents the study of a new innovative heat flow single-cell calorimeter dedicated to the measurement of the nuclear heating rate in research reactors. Before irradiating this type of sensor, it is necessary to characterize it under laboratory conditions to determine its metrological properties. A general description (design, geometry and materials nature) of this new calorimeter will be given, focusing on the motivations that led to its development. This part will be followed by a presentation of the experimental set-up and operating protocol used to characterize this sensor. The sensor sensitivity and response time will be quantified and discussed with a comparison of those obtained with previous calorimeters. In parallel with these experimental characterizations, parametric 3-D numerical simulations will be carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics software. These results, obtained both experimentally and numerically, will be compared to present a complete calorimeter study under laboratory conditions.