Feasibility study on the core design of high-flux fast neutron research reactors

The primary functions of research reactors include material irradiation experiments, isotope production, and the generation of neutron beam current. Generally, the higher the neutron flux level, the more favorable it is for material irradiation experiments and isotope production. To study the correlation between various core physical parameters on the neutron flux level of high-flux research reactor (HFR) cores, it is necessary to carry out a feasibility study on the core design of HFRs. In this paper, based on the NECP-MCX code and the SARAX code, the physical parameters of a high-flux fast neutron research reactor core are adjusted, evaluated, and analyzed from the neutronics point of view. Then, some qualitative conclusions that are conducive to improving the maximum total neutron flux in the core are summarized and ultimately applied. Finally, the safety aspects of some core designs in this paper are examined.