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Fusion research tackles fuel and instrumentation challenges
Three research groups are reporting fusion-related developments, including ongoing work toward spin-polarized fusion, a new plasma diagnostic tool heading to the National Ignition Facility, and a materials science project that could impact the design of inertial confinement fusion fuel targets.
Janne Wallenius, Erdenechimeg Suvdantsetseg, Andrei Fokau
Nuclear Technology | Volume 177 | Number 3 | March 2012 | Pages 303-313
Technical Paper | Fission Reactors | doi.org/10.13182/NT12-A13477
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The design of a low-power fast neutron reactor cooled by liquid lead (ELECTRA) is presented. Application of (Pu,Zr)N fuel permits the design of a core with very small volume and fuel column height, resulting in highly negative coolant, fuel, and structure temperature coefficients and very low channel pressure drop. Full design power of 0.5 MW(thermal) may be completely removed by natural circulation in the primary circuit, thus eliminating the need for pumps. Analysis of flow stability and performance under unprotected transients show that the suggested design is very safe, supporting its intended use for training and educational purposes.