Fast reactor core design considerations from proliferation resistance aspects

As part of the Fast Reactor Cycle Technology Development Project (FaCT Project), sodium-cooled fast reactor core design considerations are made to enhance the proliferation resistance by focusing on the plutonium generated in the UO2 blanket. Based on the 1500 MWe FaCT reference core, the three different cores are configured to meet the provisional proliferation resistance criteria as well as the core performance targets, especially breeding ratio: the radial blanket-free core, the core with the low-enriched MOX fuel, and the core with MA-doped UO2 fuel. Evaluations of the core performance characteristics indicate that the appropriate design and treatments of the UO2 blanket as designated in the present core design significantly enhance the intrinsic proliferation resistance of the plutonium generated in the UO2 blanket, while keeping the key neutronics performance characteristics. (author)