Spectral Shift Methodology for “Deep-Burnup” of Uranium-Thorium-Hydride Fuel

摘要

This paper examines the possibility of using spectral shift methodologyrnwithin the reactor core made of thorium-hydride rods, by introducingrnhollow tubes inside the assembly. The spectral shift option is simulated byrnmeans of the one-dimensional lattice code WIMSD-5B through changingrnfuel-to-water volume ratios at different burnup steps. The analysis showsrnthat it is possible to increase the discharge burnup values by 50% forrnuniform core configuration. The thorium-hydride fuel also possesses veryrngood inherent safety features such as a large prompt fuel temperaturerncoefficient of reactivity that is twice larger that of oxide fuel. This fuelrnalso has very favorable non-proliferation characteristics.