Document Type : Research Article
Author
Reactor and nuclear safety school, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), End of North Karegar Street, P.O. Box 14395-836, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Fast neutron irradiation is one of the most strategic radiation applications of research reactors. Usually, it is performed around the reactor core containing lower neutron flux. In this paper, a hybrid object has been introduced and analyzed to enhance irradiating applications of the fast neutrons in the core of a Material Testing Reactor (MTR). The tool includes an old-type low-consumed HEU control fuel element, a dry channel, and a Cd filter. It is supposed to be installed at the internal neutron trap (D4 positions) of TRR core configuration. Calculating results are very promising for using the proposed tool to increase neutron fluxes, reduce thermal and epi-thermal neutron fluxes, and shift the neutron spectrum toward the fast neutron region (hardening effect) at the chosen irradiating location. Primary safety parameters are also checked and passed successfully. Furthermore, there are also some other presented safety items which must be checked carefully and conservatively in order to refabricate and install such a irradiating tool in an in-core location of a MTR.
Highlights
- Developing a high performance hybrid tool for advanced irradiating applications.
- Fundamental concepts, design criteria and safety issues are introduced coherently.
- The most numbers of core and safety parameters have been influenced.
- Introducing an innovative in-core tool for spectrum shift toward fast neutrons.
- High performance reduction of the unwanted thermal and epithermal neutrons.
Keywords
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