• Neutronic simulation of a research reactor core of (232Th, ${}^{235}$U)O2 fuel using MCNPX2.6 code

• # Fulltext

Permanent link:
https://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/pram/080/01/0105-0120

• # Keywords

Critical; MCNPX2.6; reactor core; thorium oxide.

• # Abstract

The small reactor design for the remote and less developed areas of the user countries should have simple features in view of the lack of infra-structure and resources. Many researchers consider long core life with no on-site refuelling activity as a primary feature for the small reactor design. Long core life can be achieved by enhancing internal conversion rate of fertile to fissile materials. For that purpose, thorium cycle can be adopted because a high fissile production rate of 233U converted from 232Th can be expected in the thermal energy region. A simple nuclear reactor core arranged 19 assemblies in hexagonal structure, using thorium-based fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator was simulated using MCNPX2.6 code, aiming an optimized critical assembly. Optimized reflector thickness and gap between assemblies were determined to achieve minimum neutron leakage and void reactivity. The result was a more compact core, where assemblies were designed having 19-fuel pins in 1.25 pitch-to-diameter ratio. Optimum reflector thickness of 15 cm resulted in minimal neutron leakage in view of economic limitations. A 0.5 cm gap between assembles achieved more safety and $2.2$% enrichment requirements. The present feasibility study suggests a thermal core of acceptable neutronic parameters to achieve a simple and safe core.

• # Author Affiliations

1. Department of Radiation Application, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C, Tehran, Iran
2. Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
3. European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN, 1211 Geneva 23, Switzerland
4. Department of Energy Science, Sungkyunkwan University, 300 Cheoncheon-dong, Suwon, Korea
5. Talca University, St. 720-747, Talca, Chile
6. Faculty of Engineering, Research and Science Branch, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran

• # Pramana – Journal of Physics

Volume 94, 2020
All articles
Continuous Article Publishing mode

• # Editorial Note on Continuous Article Publication

Posted on July 25, 2019

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