Review of Article by Yu. P. Mel'nik, V. V. Pilipenko, A. S. Fomin, S. P. Fomin, and N. F. Shul'ga 'Study of self-regulated nuclear burn wave regime in a fast reactor based on a thorium-uranium cycle'

摘要

The results of computational modeling of the propagation in the end reflector of a cylindrical fast reactor of a wave of fission of nuclear fuel are presented in the article. A hypothetical reactor consisting only of metallic metal and uranium and "more realistic reactor models taking account of the presence of construction material (Fe) and coolant (Pb-Bi eutectic alloy or helium") are examined. The basis of the computational method and the approximations used are presented in the article. The mains conclusions reached by the authors are:rn1) the propagation of a fission wave along the end reflector is possible in the hypothetical reactors;rn2) such a wave is impossible in the "more realistic reactor models."rnI agree with the second conclusion but not with the first one. In my opinion, the propagation of a fission wave along the end reflector is impossible in the hypothetical reactor examined, consisting only of metallic uranium and thorium.