Characterization of the sodium void reactivity effect for advanced liquid metal reactor fuels [electronic resource].

Published:: Washington, D.C. : United States. Dept. of Energy, 1993.
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Physical Description:: 250 pages : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators:: Westinghouse Electric Corporation, United States. Department of Energy, and United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information

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Summary:

This report discusses the problems of a large positive sodium void reactivity effect in liquid metal reactors which have received increased attention following the accident at Chernobyl, a light water reactor with a positive coolant void coefficient. While the probability of voiding sodium is small, a large positive sodium void reactivity effect is, in many minds, unacceptable. Analyses were performed on models of an advanced liquid metal reactors to determine the effects fuel type have on the sodium void reactivity effect. Three fuel types were considered; metal, oxide, and nitride. Calculations were performed using three-dimensional, multigroup diffusion theory. Two programs were developed to aid the analyses. One calculated the capture-to-fission ratio and the other calculated reaction rates of selected materials. A one-group equation was derived to determine a theoretical basis for the sodium void reactivity effect. An option was presented for a shortened core having a near-zero sodium-void worth. The effect on the sodium void reactivity effect of using actinides as fuel is also considered.

Report Numbers:

E 1.99:whc-mr--0451
whc-mr--0451

Subject(s):

Other Subject(s):

Dissertation Note:

Thesis submitted to University of Washington; TH: Thesis (M.S.); PBD: Dec 1993

Note:

Published through SciTech Connect.
12/01/1993.
"whc-mr--0451"
"DE94005487"
"35AF11201/35AF11202"
Kessler, S.F.

Type of Report and Period Covered Note:

Topical; 12/01/1993 - 12/01/1993

Funding Information:

AC06-87RL10930

View MARC record | catkey: 14365173