Lattice Cell Analysis and Generation of Group Constants for the Proposed LEU (Low Enrichment Uranium) PARR (Pakistan Research Reactor) Core

摘要

The Pakistan Research Reactor (PARR) has been operating for the last two decades. The MTR type fuel elements loaded in the PARR are fabricated using 93% enriched uranium and the reactor can be operated with a maximum power level of 5 MW. It has now been proposed to redesign the reactor core so that low enrichment uranium (20% (235U) U) fuel can be used. It is further aimed to raise the reactor power level to 10 MW. In order to study the characteristics of new fuel composed of low enrichment uranium (LEU) and to assess the performance of new PARR core containing LEU fuel, a detailed neutronic analysis has to be performed. In the report, a typical fuel element, likely to be used, is described. The methods applied for the lattice cell analysis and cross-section generation, and the results obtained, are also discussed.