Proliferation-resistant Reactor Research Articles

A conceptual design for a generic heavy water research reactor to a more proliferation-resistant reactor

This paper presents a preliminary neutronic conceptual design for a heavy water research reactor core substituting low-enriched uranium fuel for natural uranium dioxide fuel; focusing on reducing the amount of plutonium in the spent fuel. In this study, two core models are proposed and investigated. These result in a smaller core configuration and consequently less plutonium inventory at the end of the cycle. Parameters such as multiplication factors, fuel burn-up, and radial power peaking factor are calculated by the MCNPX2.6 code. The results show that in converted reactor cores the mass of plutonium is decreased about 85% comparing to the main core without substantial changes in the core and fuel dimension.

Technology and policy issues relating to future developments in research and radioisotope production reactors

The paper describes current policy issues relating to a range of nuclear research reactors. The benefits of, and the need for, such reactors are described including in areas such as medicine and energy research. Emphasis is given to the potential risks in the areas of security and non-proliferation. Assessment is made of future technology policy options for the United Kingdom and the opportunity of a developing a new highly proliferation resistant reactor is explored. The possibility of collaborating with another country in such an endeavour is considered.