Reactor physics parameters of alternate fueled fast breeder reactor core designs
Nuclear nonproliferation considerations have resulted in renewed interest in the thorium fuel cycle. Reactor physics parameters of a typical 1200-MW(electric) fast breeder reactor design were compared for the cases when /sup 233/U is substituted for plutonium as a fissile fuel and when /sup 232/Th is substituted for /sup 238/U as a fertile fuel. When the /sup 238/U in the blanket is replaced with /sup 232/Th, the reactor physics parameters are relatively unchanged. However, replacing /sup 238/U in the core with /sup 232/Th increases the critical mass by 11 to 15% and decreases the breeding ratio by 0.13 to 0.16. In addition, replacing the plutonium in the core with /sup 233/U decreases the critical mass by 4 to 6% and decreases the breeding ratio by 0.13 to 0.16. Both of the changes in the core make the sodium void coefficient more negative.
- Research Organization:
- Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA
- OSTI ID:
- 6413630
- Journal Information:
- Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 42:2; ISSN NUTYB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
210500* -- Power Reactors
Breeding
BREEDER REACTORS
BREEDING RATIO
CONVERSION RATIO
CRITICAL MASS
DESIGN
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
FUEL CYCLE
KINETICS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
REACTIVITY COEFFICIENTS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR KINETICS
REACTORS
THORIUM CYCLE
VOID COEFFICIENT