Abstract: Systems and methods for a nuclear reactor that include developing a first peaking factor at a first burnup threshold for one or more fuel rods. A second peaking factor is developed at a second burnup threshold for the fuel rods. The second burnup threshold is greater than the first burnup threshold. A third peaking factor is developed and is associated with a peak average power threshold for the fuel rods. An adjusted peak nodal power is generated for the fuel rods as a function of a base peak nodal power, the first peaking factor, the second peaking factor, and the third peaking factor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for testing electronic devices which uses a random pattern for testing electronic devices. In one embodiment there is communicated to a device under test (DUT) a test sequence causing the DUT to exercise certain parameters in a controlled pattern of operation. The test sequence is randomly created. In one embodiment this random creation is controlled by a random looping algorithm which controls both the order of and the magnitude of each parameter. Included, if desired, is the ability to selectively retransmit previously communicated test sequences.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel bundle has differential peak power limits for the edge or peripheral fuel rods and the interior fuel rods. Also, the magnitude of nuclear fuel in the edge or peripheral rods is decreased in comparison with the magnitude of nuclear fuel in the interior rods. The nuclear reactor can thus operate at higher power output by decreasing the margins between the power outputs and peak power limit of the interior rods, as well as by decreasing the margins between the power outputs of the edge or peripheral rods and the increased peak power limit of those rods. The outer or peripheral edge rods can also be enriched for enhanced power output.