Calculation of the power factor using the neutron diffusion hybrid equation

In this paper, we used a neutron diffusion hybrid equation with an external neutron source to calculate nuclear power factors in each fuel element in the reactor core. We used the nodal expansion method to obtain the neutron flux for a given control rods bank position. The results were compared with results obtained for eigenvalue problem near criticality condition and fixed source problem during the start-up of the reactor, where external neutron sources are extremely important for the stabilization of external neutron detectors.

► A neutron diffusion hybrid equation with an external neutron source was used.
► Nodal expansion method to obtain the neutron flux was used.
► Nuclear power factors in each fuel element in the reactor core were calculated.
► The results obtained were very accurate.