The Significance of Critical Experiments for Core Calculation and Design of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors Constructed on the Pebble-Bed Principle

A general view is given of the significance and practical application of critical experiments for design and development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) pebble-bed cores, mainly in the Federal Republic of Germany. Some experimental results are presented, and the theoretical methods that are used to evaluate different effects are discussed. The main target seems to be attained; for HTGR pebble-bed cores, reliable methods for nuclear design are available.