Optimization Study of the IBR-2 Reactor

Abstract

The article considers the neutronics aspect of the IBR-2 reactor optimization: whether it is possible in theory to create an IBR-2-type reactor with a neutron flux in beams above the existing 0.5 × 10¹³ n/(cm² s). The calculations have shown that the thermal neutron flux theoretically can be increased to (2.0−2.5) × 10¹³ n/(cm² s), but only with a complete change in the reactor design: reducing the core volume, replacing the fuel type with a denser one, and changing the beam extraction system from radial to tangential. The technical implementation of these requirements is currently a challenge.