Power-induced failures include which mechanism?

• A. Inadvertent rapid power increases or control rod misalignment
• B. Slow, controlled power ramping
• C. Improper coolant chemistry without power changes
• D. Delayed scram due to signal delay

Answer: (A)

Power-induced failures occur when reactivity is introduced abruptly or when control mechanisms misposition, causing a sudden surge in reactor power. An inadvertent rapid power increase pushes fuel and coolant systems toward their safety limits, creating large thermal and mechanical stresses that the system must handle before protective actions can fully respond. Similarly, control rod misalignment can produce a localized excess reactivity, leading to a sharp, undesired power spike even if overall power control looks nominal. These scenarios are about sudden, unintended changes in power, not gradual or non-power-related issues. In contrast, slow, controlled power ramping stays within design margins, improper coolant chemistry without power changes doesn’t involve a power excursion, and delayed scram is a timing/control issue rather than an abrupt reactivity insertion.