LMR design concepts for transuranic management in low sodium void worth cores

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5300577

Hill, R N

The fuel cycle processing techniques and hard neuron spectrum of the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) metal fuel cycle have favorable characteristics for the management of transuranics; and the wide range of breeding characteristics available in metal fuelled cores provides for flexibility in transuranic management strategy. Previous studies indicate that most design options which decrease the breeding ratio also show a decrease in sodium void worth; therefore, low void worths are achievable in transuranic burning (low breeding ratio) core designs. This paper describes numerous trade studies assessing various design options for a low void worth transuranic burner core. A flat annular core design appears to be a promising concept; the high leakage geometry yields a low breeding ratio and small sodium void worth. To allow flexibility in breeding characteristics, alternate design options which achieve fissile self-sufficiency are also evaluated. A self-sufficient core design which is interchangeable with the burner core and maintains a low sodium void worth is developed. 13 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5300577
• Report Number(s): ANL/CP-72183; CONF-911001--23; ON: DE91018645
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ACTINIDE BURNER REACTORS
ALKALI METALS
ELEMENTS
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FUELS
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REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR KINETICS
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTOR PHYSICS
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RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
SODIUM
SPENT FUELS
VOIDS
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