Studying the possibility of using nuclear fuel MOX in the fourth generation reactor Allegro

Abstract

In this research the use of MOX fuel in ALLEGRO, a research gas-cooled reactor of the Gen IV reactors type regardless the European criteria for both fuel-axis and clad external temperatures, the reactor being proposed by some European Countries.

Results showed that this fuel can be used in ALLEGRO to reach high efficiencies for Helium Cycle, about 50% and more, in the primary circuit of the reactor using SiC as clad instead of the Stainless Steel the high temperature preventing the latter from being a clad material.

This qualifies the MOX to be candidate for use in Gen IV reactors at high temperatures resembling the VHTRs although ALLEGRO is a fast reactor while VHTRs  is a thermal reactor.