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Static and dynamic neutronic analysis of a burst-mode multiple-cavity gas core reactor, Rankine cycle space power system

Journal Article · · Nuclear Technology; (United States)
OSTI ID:6151883
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States). Innovative Space Power and Propulsion Inst.
  2. Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Static and dynamic neutronic analyses have been performed on an innovative burst-mode Ultrahigh-Temperature Vapor Core Reactor (UTVR) space nuclear power system. This novel reactor concept employs multiple neutronically coupled fissioning cores and operates on a direct closed Rankine cycle using a disk magnetohydrodynamic generator for energy conversion. The UTVR includes two types of fissioning core regions: (a) the central Ultrahigh-Temperature Vapor Core (UTVC), which contains a vapor mixture of highly enriched UF[sub 4] fuel and a metal fluoride working fluid and (b) the UF[sub 4] boiler column cores located in the BeO moderator-reflector region. The gaseous nature of the fuel, the fact that the fuel is circulating, the multiple coupled fissioning cores, and the use of a two-phase fissioning fuel lead to unique static and dynamic neutronic characteristics. Static neutronic analysis was conducted using two-dimensional S[sub n] transport theory calculations and three-dimensional Monte Carlo transport theory calculations. Circulating-fuel, coupled-core point reactor kinetics equations were used for analyzing the dynamic behavior of the UTVR. In addition to including reactivity feedback phenomena associated with the individual fissioning cores, the effects of core-to-core neutronic and mass flow coupling between the UTVC and the surrounding boiler cores were also included in the dynamic model.
OSTI ID:
6151883
Journal Information:
Nuclear Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Nuclear Technology; (United States) Vol. 103:2; ISSN 0029-5450; ISSN NUTYBB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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