Abstract
The present article describes the design of the Soviet SM research reactor, where the neutral flux attains 2.2·1015 neutron/cm2-sec. The intensive neutron and γ-ray fluxes that are obtained in the reactor make it possible to perform many investigations in the fields of nuclear physics and reactor techniques.
The SM reactor operates with intermediate neutrons and is characterized by a high ratio of the maximum neutron flux to the heat output. This ratio determines the efficiency of any research reactor. For the SM reactor this ratio is equal to 4.4·1010 neutron/cm2·sec·kw.
The installation of this reactor represents a considerable advance in the development of Soviet reactor construction. The experience gained in the design and utilization of Soviet research reactors was used to a great extent in constructing this reactor.
This article is not concerned with a description of the physical characteristics of the reactor; the main emphasis is laid on the description of the engineering solutions on which the reactor design is based.
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Feinberg, S.M., Konobeevskii, S.T., Dollezhal', N.A. et al. The 50-megawatt SM research reactor. The Soviet Journal of Atomic Energy 8, 409–419 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01483659
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01483659