Metal fuel based thorium epithermal neutron reactor core and nuclear reactor having the same

摘要

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a metal fuel-based thorium epithermal neutron reactor core comprising: a nuclear fuel assembly including a plurality of nuclear fuel bodies for generating a nuclear fission chain reaction; coolant arranged between the nuclear fuel assemblies to absorb energy emitted by the nuclear fission chain reaction; and a reflector arranged around the nuclear fuel assembly and reducing an external leakage of neutrons generated from the nuclear fuel assembly. The nuclear fuel body is formed of hexagonal pillars containing thorium and uranium metals, zirconium alloys and neutron energy region transition additives. The thorium is Th-232, and the uranium can be provided as U-233 to ensure non-proliferative resistance of a thorium cycle.