Statistical Analysis of Hot Channel Factors

It is conventional practice in the design of nuclear reactors to introduce hot channel factors to allow for spatial variations of power generation and flow distribution and for manufacturing tolerances. The factors are presently considered to be cumulative; the over-all hot channel factor at a point in the reactor is the product of all the factors applicable at the point. This paper demonstrates a more exact method of determining and interpreting the combined as well as individual hot channel factors through the use of statistical methods.