Specific requirements for design

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN Reactor core and reactivity control system 

Appropriate neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, mechanical, material, chemical and irradiation related considerations associated with the reactor as a whole shall be taken into account in the design of fuel elements and assemblies, the reflectors and other core components. 

Analyses shall be performed to show that the intended irradiation conditions and limits (such as fission density, total fissions at the end of lifetime and neutron fluence) are acceptable and will not lead to undue deformation or swelling of the fuel elements. The anticipated upper limit of possible deformation shall be evaluated. These analyses shall be supported by data from experiments and from experience with irradiation. Consideration should be given in the design of the fuel elements to the requirements relating to the long term management of irradiated elements. 

All foreseeable reactor core configurations from the initial core through to the equilibrium core for various appropriate operating schedules shall be considered in the core design. 

The reactor core shall be designed so that fuel damage in DBAs would be kept within acceptable limits. 

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