EDN: BPBNXO
Authors & Affiliations
Kolesov V.V.1, Korobeynikov V.V.2, Gurskaya O.S.2, Pupko L.P.2
1 Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering of the National Research Nuclear University, Obninsk, Russia
2 A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia
Kolesov V.V.1 – Associate Professor, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.).
Korobeinikov V.V.2 – Chief Researcher, Professor, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.). Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7 (484) 399-70-00(80-56); e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gurskaya О.S.2 – Research Fellow.
Pupko L.P.2 – Research Fellow.
Abstract
Traditionally, it is assumed that fast neutron reactors should not contain substances that slow down neutrons, since deceleration reduces the reproduction coefficient, the large value of which is the main physical advantage of a fast reactor over other types of reactors. The material of fast neutron reactor reflectors is heavy 238U or 232Th, which at the same time are raw materials for the reproduction of new fissile materials. Such reflectors, of course, reduce the critical size of the active zones, but their main function is to accumulate new fissile materials resulting from the absorption of neutrons scattered by the core. Therefore, they are not called neutron reflectors, but reproduction zones. Nevertheless, the presence of a reproduction zone in a nuclear reactor is not always a necessary element. For example, the task may be to reduce the loading of fissile materials into the core of a fast neutron reactor, lengthen the fuel campaign and regulate it.
In this paper, the selection and comparison of the efficiency of reflectors made of different materials for low-power fast neutron reactors and small core sizes are investigated. The influence of reflectors on the duration of operation of such a reactor and the possibility of controlling it is considered.
Keywords
neutron reflectors, fast neutron reactors, duration of the nuclear reactor campaign, efficiency of reflectors made of different materials
Article Text (PDF, in Russian)
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UDC 621.039.54(04)
Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2025, no. 1, 1:5
