Improvement of irradiation capability in the experimental fast reactor JOYO

Soga, Tomonori ; Aoyama, Takafumi ; Suzuki, Soju

In 2004, the experimental fast reactor Joyo started the rated power operation of the MK-III core. In this MK-III core, several important irradiation tests of fuel and material for fast reactors were successfully conducted such as the mixed oxide fuel containing minor actinide (MA-MOX), the oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel. The enhancement of irradiation capabilities of Joyo is being considered not only for fast reactor development but also for the following multipurpose utilization. (1) Neutron spectrum tailoring for creating versatile irradiation field (2) Expansion of temperature range for various irradiation purposes, (3) Flexible transient experiment, (4) Utilization of fast neutron beam for multi purpose. These concepts will contribute to the research and development in the future energy system, basic and applied science.