Subcritical power reactor with irradiation by a beam of accelerated protons
The physical and economic aspects of constructing a reactivity accident-free nuclear reactor are discussed. The approach described is based on uranium fission in a deeply subcritical reactor in which the chain reaction is initiated by an external source of neutrons, thus eliminating runaway. Protons are assumed to be the primary particles because the accelerator technology is best developed for this method of irradiation. A subcritical reactor and a high-power proton accelerator is determined to be sound in principle, and has the advantages of eliminating runaway accidents, decreasing fuel costs, higher efficiency due to increased intervals between fuel loadings, and controlling the reactor power and shielding by changing the beam current of the accelerator. 29 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 481211
- Journal Information:
- Atomic Energy (New York), Vol. 77, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1995; TN: Translated from Atomnaya Energiya; 77: No. 4, 300-308(Oct 1994)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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