Theoretical and Experimental Criteria for Nonlinear Reactor Stability

Criteria for nonlinear asymptotic stability of nuclear reactor systems repre-sentable by point reactor kinetics are derived. The reactor system model includes all delayed neutron precursors and linear feedback. The results are also extended to systems where the feedback is not linear., A procedure is outlined for the interpretation of the criteria by means of small-amplitude perturbation tests. The procedure is illustrated by using experimental transfer function measurements from Experimental Boiling Water Reactor.