Analysis of Cell Configuration Effects on Nuclear Characteristics in a Lead-Bismuth Cooled Core for TRU Incineration

• Published in: Journal of nuclear science and technology 2005-10, Vol.42 (10), p.916-926
• Main Authors: KIM, Yong Nam, KIM, Jong Kyung, PARK, Won Seok, PARK, Yong Soo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: actinide destruction factor; Applied sciences; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; fuel pin cell configuration; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; neutron energy spectrum; transmutation reactor; TRU
• ISSN: 0022-3131; 1881-1248
• DOI: 10.1080/18811248.2005.9711043

Sensitivity of the core characteristics to the fuel pin cell parameters change is analyzed for a lead-bismuth cooled reactor to incinerate transuranic nuclides. The pitch-to-diameter ratio is changed for a parametric study to investigate the effects of the coolant-to-fuel ratio. Not only the Zr-based fuel of TRU+Zr but also the Th-based fuel of TRU+Th+Zr is considered in order to investigate the sensitivity of nuclear characteristics of the fuel pin cell to neutron energy spectrum as well as effects of the fuel type on the core performance. For the sensitivity analyses, the neutron spectrum, the criticality performance parameters, and the non-fissile actinides destruction factor are evaluated. The obtained results clarify the unique property of nuclear characteristics of the fuel pin cell and give some useful information for design optimization of a lead-bismuth cooled reactor for TRU transmutation.