LEU fuel cycle analyses for the Belgian BR2 Research Reactor

摘要

Equilibrium fuel cycle characteristics were calculated for reference HEU and two proposed LEU fuel cycles using an 11-group diffusion-theory neutron flux solution in hexagonal-Z geometry. The diffusion theory model was benchmarked with a detailed Monte Carlo core model. The two proposed LEU fuel designs increased the (sup 235)U loading 20% and the fuel meat volume 51%. The first LEU design used (sup 10)B as a burnable absorber. Either proposed LEU fuel element would provide equilibrium fuel cycle characteristics similar to those of the HEU fuel cycle. Irradiation rates of Co control followers and Ir disks in the center of the core were reduced 6 (plus minus) 1% in the LEU equilibrium core compared to reference HEU core. 11 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.