4. Introduction to the need to model neutron instrumentation response

4.1 Taking instrumentation into account in design studies

To guarantee the safety of a nuclear reactor, its ability to meet safety criteria in a range of accident configurations and transients is studied at the design stage. These studies demonstrate that the reactor and associated systems can guarantee the three safety functions in all situations:

• reactivity control ;

• containment of radioactive materials ;

• core cooling.

The transients studied include reactivity transients and power distribution disturbances. In such cases, it is necessary to ensure that the neutronic instrumentation present inside and outside the core is capable, given...