Proliferation Resistance of SMART Reactor based on Plutonium Production and Isotopic Quality using MCNP6.1

The SMART core is modeled using six fuel assembly configurations, categorized into two main different types (A & B), based on the inclusion of Gd2O3 as a burnable absorber. Fuel enrichments of 1.6, 1.8, 2.82, and 4.88 wt% were considered.MCNP calculations indicate that approximately 75 kg of 239Pu is generated by the end of the proposed operating cycle. A crucial analysis of the PR was evaluated by investigating the level of attractiveness for the produced Plutonium during the life span of the reactor core, through two main different approaches.

According to Pellaud’s approach, 240Pu isotopic fraction crosses the weapon-grade boundary “7%” within the first 200 days and reaches the fuel-grade boundary “18%” in about 800 days. Based on Figures of Merit of Bathke’s approach, the level of Plutonium attractiveness tends to be high (FOM1 > 2) or medium-high (1 < FOM2 < 2). Both approaches, one way or another, showed a significant proliferation risk to be addressed and considered for the produced Plutonium in this type of reactors.