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Title: Axially staggered seed-blanket reactor-fuel-module construction. [LWBR]

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5847198

A heterogeneous nuclear reactor of the seed-blanket type is provided wherein the fissile (seed) and fertile (blanket) nuclear fuels are segregated axially within each fuel element such that fissile and fertile regions occur in an alternating pattern along the length of the fuel element. Further, different axial stacking patterns are used for the fuel elements of at least two module types such that when modules of different types are positioned adjacent to one another, the fertile regions of the modules are offset or staggered. Thus, when a module of one type is surrounded by modules of the second type the fertile regions thereof will be surrounded on all sides by fissile material. This provides enhanced neutron communication both radially and axially, thereby resulting in greater power oscillation stability than other axial arrangements.

DOE Contract Number:
AC11-76PN00014
Assignee:
ERA-08-053904; EDB-83-176210
Application Number:
ON: DE83018010
OSTI ID:
5847198
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English