Comparison of the FRM-II HEU design with an alternative LEU design

TLDR: In this article, an alternative core design utilizing low-enriched uranium (LEU, <20%) silicide fuel with 4.8 g/cm{sup 3} that provides nearly the same neutron flux for experiments as the HEU design, but has a less favorable fuel cycle economy.

Abstract: The FRM-II reactor design of the Technical University of Munich has a compact core that utilizes fuel plates containing highly-enriched uranium (HEU, 93%). This paper presents an alternative core design utilizing low-enriched uranium (LEU, <20%) silicide fuel with 4.8 g/cm{sup 3} that provides nearly the same neutron flux for experiments as the HEU design, but has a less favorable fuel cycle economy. If an LEU fuel with a uranium density of 6.0 - 6.5 g/cm{sup 3} were developed, the alternative design would provide the same neutron flux and use the same number of cores per year as the HEU design. The results of this study show that there are attractive possibilities for using LEU fuel instead of HEU fuel in the FRM-II. Further optimization of the LEU design and near-term availability of LEU fuel with a uranium density greater than 4.8 g/cm{sup 3} would enhance the performance of the LEU core. The RERTR Program is ready to exchange information with the Technical University of Munich to resolve any differences that may exist and to identify design modifications that would optimize reactor performance utilizing LEU fuel.