Core designs based on research reactors for neutron transmutation doping of silicon

Komeda, Masao   ; Obara, Toru*

We studied the core design of neutron transmutation doping (NTD) silicon reactors using MTR (material testing reactor) fuel elements. Silicon ingots are irradiated in the reflector area, outside of the core. A larger core has smaller leakage of neutrons from the core and is able to burn fuel efficiently. However, since a larger core has less neutron leakage from the core, the irradiation efficiency of neutrons in the reflector area is lower. We discuss the most efficient design of a reactor core based on our calculations of fuel consumption and amount of silicon doping.