FUEL-MODERATOR INVERSION FOR SAFER NUCLEAR REACTORS

A nuclear reactor including a nuclear reactor core. The nuclear reactor core includes a plurality of moderator elements, and an inverted fuel moderator block array of one or more inverted fuel moderator blocks. The one or more inverted fuel moderator blocks include a high-temperature matrix; a plurality of fuel particles embedded inside the high-temperature matrix; and at least one moderator opening for disposition of at least one of the moderator elements therein. The one or more inverted fuel moderator blocks also include at least one coolant passage formed in the high-temperature matrix to flow a coolant. The nuclear reactor can also include a reactivity control system, which can include one or more control drums, one or more control rods, or a combination thereof.