Reactor Startup and First Criticality

This panel will discuss topics related to the initial test program for first-of-a-kind (FOAK) advanced reactors. Dr. Sam Bays will provide a historical overview of past advanced reactor test programs as documented in his team's report, "Startup Physics Testing of Advanced Reactors - A Historical Review". Dr. Bays and Dr. Abe Weitzberg have co-chaired the ANS working group, Initial Fuel Loading and Startup Physics Tests for FOAK Advanced Reactors, ANS-19.13. Current findings of ANS-19.13 will be discussed. Dr. Nader Satvat of Kairos Power will be providing an overview of current test plans for the HERMES reactor. Mr. Mike Prible of Westinghouse will provide his perspectives leading the startup physics testing of AP1000 pressurized water reactors.