A complete dosimetry experimental program in support of the core characterization and of the power calibration of the CABRI reactor

CABRI is an experimental pulse reactor operated by CEA at the Cadarache research center. Since 2003, it has been refurbished to be able to provide experiments in prototypical PWR conditions (155bar, 300°C) in order to study the fuel behavior under Reactivity Initiated Accident (RIA) conditions. This paper first presents the goals of the neutronics and power commissioning tests that will be performed in 2015 and 2016. Then it focuses on the design of the dosimetry program that was built in support of those commissioning tests. Finally, it details how this dosimetry program will contribute to the validation of preliminary neutronics calculations, the measurement of kinetic parameters and an enhanced control of the power and of the energy deposit during transient tests.