A method and arrangement of determining pin enrichments for a fuel bundle
of a nuclear reactor, where a plurality of input parameters and target
conditions may be input and enrichment changes, to be made across the
fuel bundle, may be calculated using response matrix technology. Fuel
bundle pin enrichment data may be output that satisfies the target
conditions. The method and arrangement may enable production of fuel
bundles having a desired local peaking, exposure peaking and R-factor
performance. Consequently, given fuel cycles typically may be loaded and
operated such that less fuel may be needed for identical cycle lengths,
potentially resulting in improved fuel cycle economics. Additionally,
because fuel bundle development may require fewer iterations, there may
be a substantial cycle time reduction in the bundle design process,
potentially reducing cost and enhancing profitability.