Optimization of a New MIT Research Reactor Core Design Using a Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm

Advancements in nuclear reactor technology can lead to more versatile and economically attractive power systems, but often require testing in realistic environments only available in research reactors such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor (MITR). The first MITR began operating over 65 years ago and new interest in nuclear technology has spurred exploratory work into a potential replacement. A new reactor could be placed in the existing containment building with a change to high-assay low-enrichment uranium molybdenum (U-10Mo) fuel. To optimize such a core design with a different fuel type, a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm has been leveraged to evaluate design possibilities for performance objectives and constraints within the same framework. A set of viable design solutions was obtained that satisfy design criteria related to power peaking, temperature limits, and coolant stability while providing high irradiation performance.