Optimization of VVER-1000 reactor fuel assembly design with performance improvement approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physics, Faculty of Basic Science, University of Mazandaran, P.O. Box 13534-47416, Babolsar, Iran

2 Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, P.O. Box 1339-14155, Tehran, Iran

10.22052/rsm.2025.256720.1124

Abstract

To optimize the design of a nuclear fuel assembly, it is necessary to investigate the geometric and dimensional characteristics, as well as the material properties used in it, from neutronic, thermomechanical, and thermohydraulic aspects. In this research, the optimization of the design of a fuel assembly of VVER-1000 reactor has been investigated from a neutron perspective using the DRAGON4 cell calculation and fuel consumption code. The criterion parameters include the effective multiplication factor, the concentration of uranium-235 and 238 isotopes, plutonium-239, 240, 241, and 242, xenon-135, and samarium-149, which are considered as fuel performance indicators. The importance of these isotopes lies in their role in fission reactions, energy production, and nuclear waste effects. Using the capabilities of the mentioned code, the impact of changes in the geometric parameters of the fuel assembly, including the diameter of the central hole of the fuel pellet, the thickness of the fuel pellet, the gap between the fuel pellet and the cladding, and the thickness of the cladding on the criterion parameters has been investigated. The range of changes in these parameters has been considered from a 50% decrease to a 240% increase compared to the current design value.
Sensitivity analysis results show that the thickness of the fuel pellet has the greatest impact on changes in the criterion parameters. In other words, changes in the thickness of the fuel pellet cause significant changes in the effective multiplication factor and the concentration of various isotopes. Additionally, a reduction in the geometric parameters of the fuel assembly generally leads to improved criterion parameters and better fuel performance. The findings of this research can be used in the optimal design of VVER-1000 reactor fuel assemblies and the improvement of their performance.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Radiation Safety and Measurement
Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 54
September 2025
Pages 67-76

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