Medium-enriched uranium/thorium fuel cycle parametric studies for the HTGR

Operation of HTGRs on proliferation-resistant medium-enriched uranium/thorium fuel cycles is feasible based on the findings of fuel cycle parametric studies conducted for the Department of Energy by General Atomic Company. The analyses performed to evaluate the feasibility and optimization of such fuel cycles are described. Primary variables considered in arriving at optimum designs included cycle length, fuel particle and fuel rod dimensions, the carbon-to-thorium ratio, and the refueling frequency