Fig. 9-1 System concept of a nuclear ship dynamic simulator Simulation of the mutually interactive dynamic behavior of a nuclear reactor plant, turbine and ship motion affected by external forces from the marine environment such as wind, waves and tidal currents.

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Fig. 9-2 Comparison of the simulated results and the "Mutsu" experimental data In comparing the results of turning trials under operating conditions with reactor power at about 70%, rudder angle at left 35E, and the propeller shaft revolution mode being constant, the turning trace and ship speed were in good agreement.

Development of a nuclear ship simulator is necessary to accurately analyze nuclear ship behavior in order to determine reactor operating conditions, as well as to stably maneuver the ship under severe marine conditions such as high wind, waves and tidal currents. This newly-developed simulator is the first in the world to simulate the integrated systems of the reactor plant, turbine and ship motion (Fig. 9-1). Using the simulator for analysis in advance of operating under rough sea conditions, reactor operational guidelines were available to operators prior to experimental voyages. Validation of the simulator has been conducted using data obtained during power level testing and a one-year experimental voyage of "Mutsu" (Fig. 9-2). At present a new simulator model is being constructed for an advanced ship reactor using simulation techniques obtained by "Mutsu" simulation development. These new simulator techniques can be applied to design and performance evaluations of advanced nuclear ship reactors and advanced control studies for nuclear ships.

Reference T. Kusunoki et al., Simulation of a Marine Nuclear Reactor, Nucl. Technol., 19, 275 (1995).

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