High flux isotope reactor low-enriched uranium core design optimization studies

Design optimization studies have been conducted for a High Flux Isotope Reactor low enriched uranium (Leu) core using a high density U-10-Mo monolithic alloy fuel. These studies search a multidimensional design space to provide understanding of the dependence of multiple design objectives on the design choices. Neutronic, isotopic depletion, and thermal hydraulic analyses are incorporated into these studies to generate key performance and safety metrics for assessing the feasibility and fitness of given designs. A design optimization methodology based on response surface methodology has been developed to visualize dependencies and to combine multiple objectives for determining an unbiased overall optimized design. These studies provide an understanding of the effect that design decisions have on the key performance and safety metrics, and establish a basis for further studies to determine truly optimized designs. (Author)