NUCLEAR REACTOR CORE DESIGN
An improved core design for a sodium-cooled, graphitemoderated nuclear reactor is described. The improved reactor core comprises a number of blocks of moderator material, each block being in the shape of a regular prism. A number of channels, extending the length of each block, are disposed around the periphery. When several blocks are placed in contact to form the reactor core, the channels in adjacent blocks correspond with each other to form closed conduits extending the length of the core. Fuel element clusters are disposed in these closed conduits, and liquid coolant is forced through the annulus between the fuel cluster and the inner surface of the conduit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the moderator blocks are in the form of hexagonal prisms with longitudinal channels cut into the corners of the hexagon. The main advantage of an "edge-loaded" moderator block is that fewer thermal neutrons are absorbed by the moderator cladding, as compared with a conventional centrally loaded moderator block.
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-016432
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Number(s):
- US 2929768
- OSTI ID:
- 4153568
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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