PLUTONIUM FOR PROPULSION REACTORS

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Nuclear Eng.

OSTI ID:4071310

Hill, J

The use of plutonium isotope mixtures simplifies the reactivity control problem in low-enrichment propulsion reactors. The reaetivity effects of such a fuel are discussed. It is concluded thnt although the enrichment (Pu/sup 239/ + Pu/sup 24 / 0>s/ atom of uranium) required for a given reactor life depends on reactor structure and the neutron spectrum, the general shape of the curves is not very sensitive to the parameters used in the calculations. Plutonium containing 80% Pu/sup 239/ and 20% Pu/sup 240/ gives long core life, the Pu/sup 240/ making an exce llent burnable poison. Plutonium from civil power stations contains isotopes in about the right proportions. (T.R.H.)

• Research Organization: Rolls-Royce, Ltd., Derby, Eng.
• NSA Number: NSA-15-012614
• OSTI ID: 4071310
• Journal Information: Nuclear Eng., Journal Name: Nuclear Eng. Vol. Vol: 6
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFIGURATION
CONTROL
ENRICHMENT
LIFETIME
NEUTRONS
PLUTONIUM
PLUTONIUM 239
PLUTONIUM 240
PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES
POISONING
PROPULSION
REACTIVITY
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
SPECTRA
URANIUM