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Optimal moderation in the pebble-bed reactor for enhanced passive safety and improved fuel utilization

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The concept of optimal moderation is introduced as a reactor configuration in which any change in the fuel-to-moderator ratio causes a reduction in reactivity. It is shown that such a configuration cannot persist over time in a reactor with stationary fuel, but can do so in a reactor with moving fuel, such as a pebble-bed reactor. It is further shown by the example of pebble-bed versions of the proposed Next Generation Nuclear Plant that such optimal moderation in gas-cooled reactors leads to significant advantages in response to water ingress, fuel utilization, and resistance to nuclear weapons proliferation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the PHYSOR 2004
Subtitle of host publicationThe Physics of Fuel Cycles and Advanced Nuclear Systems - Global Developments
Pages1287-1302
Number of pages16
StatePublished - 2004
EventPHYSOR 2004: The Physics of Fuel Cycles and Advanced Nuclear Systems - Global Developments - Chicago, IL, United States
Duration: Apr 25 2004Apr 29 2004

Publication series

NameProceedings of the PHYSOR 2004: The Physics of Fuel Cycles and Advanced Nuclear Systems - Global Developments

Conference

ConferencePHYSOR 2004: The Physics of Fuel Cycles and Advanced Nuclear Systems - Global Developments
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago, IL
Period04/25/0404/29/04

Keywords

  • Asymptotic equilibrium cycle
  • Fuel utilization
  • Nonproliferation
  • Optimal moderation
  • Pebble-bed reactors
  • Water ingress

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