Nuclear design of the burst power ultrahigh temperature UF sub 4 vapor core reactor system
- Innovative Nuclear Space Power Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 (US)
Static and dynamic neutronic analyses are being performed, as part of an integrated series of studies, on an innovative burst power UF{sub 4} Ultrahigh Temperature Vapor Core Reactor (UTVR)/Disk Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator for space nuclear power applications. This novel reactor concept operates on a direct, closed Rankine cycle in the burst power mode (hundreds of MW{sub e} for thousands of seconds). The fuel/working fluid is a mixture of UF{sub 4} and metal fluoride. Preliminary calculations indicate high overall system efficiencies ({approx}20%), small radiator size ({approx}5 m{sup 2}/MW{sub e}), and high specific power ({approx}5 kW{sub e}/kg). Neutronic analysis has revealed a number of attractive features for this novel reactor concept. These include some unique and very effective inherent negative reactivity control mechanisms such as the vapor-fuel density power coefficient of reactivity, the direct neutronic coupling among the multiple fissioning core regions (the central vapor core and the surrounding boiler columns), and the mass flow coupling feedback between the fissioning cores.
- OSTI ID:
- 5604600
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-910116--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (USA), Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (USA) Vol. 217:1; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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DESIGN
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
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NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
NEUTRON FLUX
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POWER SYSTEMS
RADIATION FLUX
RANKINE CYCLE POWER SYSTEMS
REACTORS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
ULTRAHIGH TEMPERATURE
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URANIUM FLUORIDES