Investigation to enhance nonproliferation characteristics of commercial FBRs by material barrier aspect

Oki, Shigeo ; Meiliza, Y.; Kawashima, Katsuyuki; Okubo, Tsutomu

A possibility to enhance the nonproliferation characteristics of a commercial FBR is investigated in terms of reactor core design aspects, though the rigorous safeguards and the physical protection of nuclear materials essentially keep the nonproliferation at a high level. By means of loading the fertile blanket with plutonium (Pu) or minor actinide (MA), it is possible to reduce the proportion of fissile isotopes to total Pu and the attractiveness of the Pu produced in the blanket. Moreover, a radial blanket-free core is also possible. The merits and demerits of each method are described for the practical optimization of a core concept.