Parametric Lattice Study of a Graphite-Moderated Molten Salt Reactor

This article illustrates the influence of heterogeneity in an infinite lattice of a Molten Salt Reactor moderated by graphite. For a complete description of heterogeneity in a 2D lattice, two variables are needed; in this study the salt share in the unit cell and the channel radius are used. The equilibrium Thorium-based closed-cycle fuel composition is systematically derived for each chosen combination of points, and results such as k_inf and the actinide vector composition are calculated. Results show that the heterogeneity effect can indeed be important for optimization of the core design of moderated molten salt reactors.