Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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PHYSICS OF AMERICIUM TRANSMUTATION

  • Received : 2011.03.23
  • Accepted : 2012.02.20
  • Published : 2012.03.25
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Abstract

Using fast neutron Generation IV reactors, recycling of americium and curium may become feasible. The detrimental impact of americium on safety parameters has recently been quantified in terms of a power penalty for surviving a given set of transients in sodium fast reactors. In the present paper, a review of the physical reasons for the adverse effect of americium is provided, and different Gen-IV technologies are assessed with respect to their capability of hosting americium in the fuel.

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