Thorium fuel based space reactor core and nuclear reactor having the same

摘要

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thorium fuel-based space reactor core comprises: a nuclear fuel assembly including a plurality of nuclear fuel bodies for nuclear fission chain reaction to occur; a coolant disposed between the nuclear fuel bodies to absorb energy released by the nuclear fission chain reaction; a heat pipe provided between the nuclear fuel assemblies or between the coolant and the nuclear fuel assemblies to discharge heat generated in the nuclear fission chain reaction to the outside; and a reflector disposed to surround the nuclear fuel assembly and reduce external leakage of neutrons generated from the nuclear fuel assembly. The nuclear fuel body can be formed of a hexagonal pillar including thorium (Th)-232 and uranium (U)-233 metals, zirconium (Zr) alloys, and neutron energy region transition additives. The present invention can reduce reactor weight.