Effect of (3)He and (6)Li accumulation in beryllium blocks on the neutron-physical characteristics of the MIR reactor

Reactions resulting in the accumulation of (3)He and (6)Li, whose thermal neutron capture cross-section is large, occur under the action of neutron radiation in the beryllium blocks of the MIR reactor core. When a neutron absorber accumulates in the moderator of a reactor, important physical characteristics change: reactivity access, efficiency of safety and control rods, and reactivity effects; in addition, energy release is redistributed. An algorithm for calculating (3)H, (3)He, and (6)Li in each beryllium block of the core has been developed and implemented. This algorithm makes it possible to follow the change in the concentration of these nuclides during reactor operation and shutdown. The (3)He and (6)Li concentrations are used as initial data for calculating the neutron-physical characteristics of the MIR reactor using the MCU and BERCLI programs. The computational results for the effect of the accumulation of the nuclides indicated on the neutron-physical characteristics of the core are presented.