Abstract
The possibility of replacing the copper matrix in a PIK-reactor fuel element core by an aluminum matrix is examined. The gain in reactivity as a result of such a replacement is estimated. The possibility of decreasing the content of highly enriched uranium in the new fuel elements, resulting in an appreciable decrease of the cost of fuel, is discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
A. N. Erykalov, D. M. Kaminker, K. A. Konoplev, and Yu. V. Petrov, “Selection of the PIK reactor for physical research,” Preprint FTI-153 (1968).
A. N. Erykalov, K. A. Konoplev, Yu. V. Petrov, et al., “Core and reflector design of the PIK reactor,” Preprint PNPR-2472, Gatchina (2002).
V. A. Tsykanov, A. V. Klinov, and V. A. Starkov, “Experience in producing, reconstructing, and operating high-flux research reactor SM,” in: Physics and Technology of Reactors. Proceedings of the 34th Winter School at the St. Petersburg Institute of Nuclear Physics, St. Petersburg (2000), pp. 3–16.
A. N. Erykalov, L. M. Kotova, Yu. V. Petrov, and T. I. Smirnova, “Choice of core dimensions of a PIK reactor with aluminum fuel assemblies,” Preprint LIYAF-1648, Gatchina (1990).
I. S. Grigor'ev and E. Z. Meilikhov (eds.), Reference Data on Physical Quantities, Énergoatomizdat, Moscow (1991).
A. N. Eryklaov, K. A. Konoplev, and Yu. V. Petrov, “Decrease of enrichment in fuel elements for research reactors,” In: Physics and Technology of Reactors. Proceedings of the 17th Winter School at the St. Petersburg Institute of Nuclear Physics, Leningrad (1982), pp. 17–29.
G. A. Bat', A. S. Kochenov, and L. P. Kabanov, Research Nuclear Reactors, Atomizdat, Moscow (1972).
A. Vatulin, Yu. Stetskiy, N. Kukharin, et al., “Preparation results for lifetime tests of conversion LEU fuel in plutonium production reactors,” in: 22nd International Meeting on RERTR, Budapest, Hungary (1999).
V. I. Ageenkov, E. G. Bek, V. S. Volkov, et al., “Structural and physical parameters and fabrication technology of PIK reactor fuel elements,” Preprint PIYAF-2437 (2001).
M. S. Onegin and Yu. V. Petrov, “235U and heterogeneous effects in PIK-04 assemblies,” Preprint PIYAF-2169, Gatchina (1997).
Yu. V. Petrov, A. V. Derbin, A. I. Egorov, et al., “234U in highly enriched fuel,” At. Énerg., 83, No. 3, 243–246 (1997).
E. A. Galanin, M. I. Gurevich, and L. V. Maiorov, MCU-PR Computer Code. Description and User Instructions, Russian Science Center Kurchatov Institute (1997).
Yu. V. Petrov, “Is it desirable to decrease the enrichment of PIK reactor fuel?” in: Physics and Technology of Reactors. Proceedings of the 35th Winter School at the St. Petersburg Institute of Nuclear Physics, St. Petersburg (2001).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Petrov, Y.V., Kotova, L.M. Decrease of the Radium Concentration in PIK Reactor Fuel Elements. Atomic Energy 93, 661–664 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021048832220
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021048832220