Abstract

Previous reactor physics studies of marine propulsion systems were limited to cores with low average power density (60–65 MW/m3). This project focuses on designing high power density (HPD) cores with power densities comparable to that of Sizewell B (101.6 MW/m3), in order to obtain more compact designs with better economic performance. In this study, detailed neutronic analysis and underlying physics for HPD cores are discussed. Due to the obvious thermal-hydraulic challenges associated with HPD core designs, a coupled neutronic/thermal-hydraulic hot channel (HC) analysis of HPD cases is performed to determine whether TH safety limits are satisfied. These issues will be discussed in this talk as well.