Study on plutonium burning in a fast reactor

There has been an increasing focus on the research and development work necessary for the utilisation of the excellent Pu burning characteristics of fast reactor cores. At PNC in Japan, studies on Pu burning fast reactor cores have been undertaken to demonstrate the flexibility of the Pu utilising characteristics of fast reactors; the studies lay particular emphasis on the effects of variations in Pu vector. The PNC assessment of Pu burning consisted of first a general and wide-ranging study, then of a more detailed assessment of the effects of varying Pu vector; finally, an initial design optimisation was produced, capable of burning the range of Pu vectors. The results of the studies given here are those of general relevance for Pu burner cores, together with those particular to weapons-grade Pu. In progressing through the three stages of the studies more detailed calculational models and methods were adopted. Some comments are given on the adaptation of calculational methods to Pu burner cores. (author)