Neutronic performance of (Th-233U) nitride and oxide for hexagonal tight lattice fuel cell of boiling water reactor

Neutronic performance of (Th-233U) oxide and nitride fuel for small long-life boiling water reactors (BWR) has been performed. The two fuel compounds have different physical properties and it is assumed that it would result in different neutronic performance as well. Nitride compound has a greater density so that it has more particles per unit volume than oxide and lower melting and boiling points than oxide counterparts. This study utilizes the hexagonal geometry of the fuel cell that can provide a substantial effect on the criticality of the reactor to obtain a longer operating time. Supported by a tight concept lattice where the volume fraction of the fuel is greater than the moderator and fuel, The (Th-233U) nitride exhibit better results for fuel cell design on small long-life BWR compared to that of oxide.