Thermal-hydraulic analyses of MIT reactor LEU transition cycles

MITR Low-Enriched Uranium Conversion Fluid-Structure Interaction Preliminary Design Verification

“…MITR uses light water as the coolant. The nominal inlet coolant temperature of MITR is around 44 ℃ [39], and the nominal outlet temperature is 55 ℃ [40]. In addition, the coolant temperature varies for different channels, and Reference [39] mentioned that the bulk coolant temperature is in the range of 45 ℃ -65 ℃.…”

“…To further explore the maximum possible displacement, the flow rate uncertainty and the range of allowable plate shape are considered, and Case 4 will be used as the base for further simulations. The MITR pump flow uncertainty is 5%, and the flow disparity for the different elements within the core is estimated to be 7% [40]. (by multiplying the two factors 1.07 × 1.05), a total uncertainly level of 12.35% has been obtained, which is considered as limiting conditions for operation for coolant flow rate in FSI aspect.…”

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor LEU Fuel Element Flow Test Conceptual Design – Hydraulic Reactor Design Parameters

“…Note that the coolant level is 10 feet above top of the fuel plates [3], therefore at the core outlet, the pressure is 1.31 bar [20]. The nominal inlet and outlet coolant temperatures are 44 °C and 55 °C, respectively, while the maximum temperature inside the fuel plate at the fuel core center is 93.8 °C.…”

“…d The pressure at the top of the upper plenum is atmospheric. The coolant level is 10 feet above the top of the fuel plates [3], therefore at the core outlet the pressure is 1.31 bar [20].…”

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor LEU Fuel Element Flow Test Conceptual Design

“…Given that the MITR transition plan has not yet been finalized, the flow rate per element of the equilibrium core with 24 fuel elements (under normal operating conditions) is also analyzed to provide a range of possible inlet flow rates in the flow test. The detailed fuel orientation and channel structure of this core setup can be found in references [38] and [40].…”