Numerical design of thorium and uranium fuel samples irradiation in lead environment

Abstract

The paper shows capabilities of thorium-lead fuel assembly for design of irradiation experiments on ThO2 and natural UO2 fuel samples using radioisotope neutron source. The main purpose of the current analysis was to determine the irradiation environment in the samples, especially: neutron spectrum, power, activity, reaction rates, production of 233Pa and 239Np as well as breeding of 233U and 239Pu. An advanced three-dimensional numerical model for Monte Carlo radiation transport and burnup simulations was developed using the Monte Carlo Continuous Energy Burnup Code (MCB). The versatility of the assembly gives a perfect opportunity to perform many irradiation experiments for R&D on the thorium and uranium fuel cycle in a different material and geometrical environments.