On the physics feasibility of LWR plutonium fuels without uranium

Reactor physics characteristics have been assessed for a range of mixtures of plutonium and different burnable poisons (BPs) from the viewpoint of providing a possible LWR fuel without uranium. A much higher potential for plutonium-inventory reduction than with Pu02/UO2 (MOX) fuel has clearly been indicated, and a once-through operational mode could prove sufficient for the purpose. Reactor control aspects have been evaluated qualitatively by comparing values for reactivity coefficients and control absorber worths with those for reference UO2 and MOX fuels. It is suggested that an LWR with a suitably chosen Pu-BP mixture as fuel should be basically feasible from physics considerations alone.