STUDY ON CHARACTERISTICS OF SMART REACTOR CORE USING UO2 AND (TH, U)O2 FUEL USING MCNP6 CODE

• Main Author: Ibrahim, Diana
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/76673
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

It has been realized that currently, humans are very dependent on energy, especially electrical energy. Starting from primary needs to secondary needs humans must depend on electrical energy. In general, a country's energy needs will always increase every year in line with increasing population, economic growth, energy prices, and technological developments. On the other hand, the community also demands clean, efficient, and consistent energy, this is what makes PLTN a potential supplier of electrical energy. The energy used today, namely in the form of fossil energy (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) hurts the environment which if it continues to be used will cause threats in the future. Therefore, careful planning is essential to ensure the safer and more sustainable use of new energy. From an environmental perspective, nuclear power plants can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they need to be managed properly to prevent water pollution and other negative environmental impacts. Until now, this technology continues to improve efficiency and security. However, unfortunately, the public does not fully trust PLTN due to the level of concern that it will pose challenges, such as radioactive waste management, operational safety, and the risk of a nuclear accident. Through this research, it is hoped that an analysis of nuclear reactors will be carried out which will provide valuable and relevant insights. The importance of conducting this analysis is strengthened by the fact that nuclear reactors can operate The SMART reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that has a sophisticated design and features and is digitally integrated. This digital technology enables better monitoring of critical parameters within the reactor, thereby minimizing the risk of nuclear accidents. SMART reactors focus on improving safety and efficiency compared to other conventional reactors as they are equipped with more sophisticated monitoring, detection, and automated action systems. In addition to increasing safety and efficiency, SMART design reactors use more efficient fuels, such asthoriumor uraniumwhich can be better utilized. In thisresearch, a neutronic analysis will be carried out in a SMART reactor with Gd2O3 as a coolant source. The analysis of this study used the MCNP6 coding system with JENDL and CENDL as the nuclear data library. This study aims to observe the neutronic characteristics of the fuel assembly design according to the reference used, the characteristics of the SMART reactor core such as criticality, Doppler and moderator temperature reactivity coefficients, and kinetic parameters. This research can be carried out by designing and comparing the neutronic components of SMART reactors using UO2 and (Th,U)O2 fuel. This study uses monte carlo software, which will produce output in the form of kinetic parameter values. The results from these investigations can be used to understand reactor core behaviour, improve core design, and optimize SMART reactor operations. This research is expected to provide useful information for the development of nuclear reactor technology in Indonesia. In addition, the research results can also be a reference for government or private institutions working in the field of nuclear energy.