EDN: XPVHSG
Authors & Affiliations
Ivanov A.S.1, Shkarupa I.L.1, Alekseev P.A.1, Isachenkov I.A.1, Girin A.P.2
1 A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia
2 The Limited Liability Company “Simulation Systems Ltd.”, Obninsk, Russia
1Ivanov A.S. – Research Engineer. Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7 (484) 399-70-00 (add. 43-88); e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
1Shkarupa I.L. – Head of Group, Cand. Sci. (Tech.).
1Alekseev P.A. – Senior Researcher, Cand. Sci. (Tech.).
1Isachenkov I.A. – Research Engineer.
2Girin A.P. – Engineer Thermophysicist.
Abstract
The present article discusses specific features of a high-temperature metal-metal reactor (HMMR). Advantages and drawbacks of different fuel types, such as U, U-Pu, U-Th, and eutectic alloys Pu-Fe, U-Zr, U-Al, U-Fe, U-Si, U-Cr, U-Th are analyzed. It is mentioned that in earlier working metallic melt reactors, particularly LAMPRE (USA), a eutectic Pu-Fe alloy with a melting temperature of 411 °C was employed. Fuels incorporating diverse eutectics require higher enrichment compared to “pure” metallic fuels and demand enlarged geometrical sizes of the active zones to reach criticality, resulting in cost increases. The article presents computed data regarding reactor characteristics achieved through utilization of varied materials as walls of fuel compartments. Considered materials include: rhenium (Re), tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb), niobium carbide (NbC)-coating, molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), silicon carbide (SiC), carbon (C), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Nonmetallic materials exhibit certain benefits when applied as separation walls aluminium oxide (Al2O3), carbon (C), and silicon carbide (SiC). Aamong refractory metals, molybdenum with a protective coating of molybdenum silicide shows superior performance. Strength calculations are performed for one particular reactor configuration. Maximum stresses are demonstrated not to surpass permissible thresholds, ensuring fulfillment of strength and functionality requirements, thereby validating the durability of the analyzed cell under designated operation regimes. Own vibration frequencies are established within the range of 0.2÷300 Hz. Calculation outcomes reveal that variations in natural frequencies fall within the interval from 1.5 to 33 Hz.
Keywords
high-temperature metal-metal nuclear reactor, nuclear fuel, coolant melt
Article Text (PDF, in Russian)
References
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UDC 621.039.5
Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2026, no. 1, 1:1
