Modeling and Depletion Simulations for a High Flux Isotope Reactor Cycle with a Representative Experiment Loading

Chandler, David¹  Betzler, Ben¹  Hirtz, Gregory John¹  Ilas, Germina¹  Sunny, Eva¹ 

[1]Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Reactor and Nuclear Systems Division

关键词: HFIR;    neutronics;    depletion;    M&S;    representative;    experiments;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1325434
RP-ID  :  ORNL/TM--2016/23
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1325434
Others  :  Other: DN3001010
Others  :  MDGA518

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

The purpose of this report is to document a high-fidelity VESTA/MCNP High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) core model that features a new, representative experiment loading. This model, which represents the current, high-enriched uranium fuel core, will serve as a reference for low-enriched uranium conversion studies, safety-basis calculations, and other research activities. A new experiment loading model was developed to better represent current, typical experiment loadings, in comparison to the experiment loading included in the model for Cycle 400 (operated in 2004). The new experiment loading model for the flux trap target region includes full length ²⁵²Cf production targets, ⁷⁵Se production capsules, ⁶³Ni production capsules, a ¹⁸⁸W production capsule, and various materials irradiation targets. Fully loaded ²³⁸Pu production targets are modeled in eleven vertical experiment facilities located in the beryllium reflector. Other changes compared to the Cycle 400 model are the high-fidelity modeling of the fuel element side plates and the material composition of the control elements. Results obtained from the depletion simulations with the new model are presented, with a focus on time-dependent isotopic composition of irradiated fuel and single cycle isotope production metrics.