A Sensitivity and Feasibility Study on a Small Reactor with LEU Fuel for Space Applications

摘要

In this paper, a sensitivity and feasibility study on a small reactor with LEU fuel for space applications was presented. Sensitivity study showed that a criticality is achievable with a total mass of 183kg when 20w/o LEU fuel, ZrH_(1.5) moderator, and Be reflector are used. Feasibility study with a realistic core configuration showed that the reactor with a total mass of 246kg can be operated for 15years. A criticality analysis for several launch accident scenarios showed that the reactor remains sub-critical except for some cases in which one or more control rods are missing. In the future, efforts will be made to enhance the safety of the reactor in various launch accident scenarios.