Preliminary neutronic study of actinide transmutation in a fast reactor

Preliminary results are cited from a neutronic study of actinide recycle in a fast reactor, using an LMFBR model. The work was performed as part of a Chemical Technology Division program for assessing the merit of actinide transmutation as a means of waste disposal. Calculations were performed by coupling two-dimensional diffusion theory calculations with point-depletion recycle calculations. Cross sections were obtained from a ''preliminary'' version of ENDF/B-V. Results are given concerning the recycled-actinide equilibrium condition and the waste-actinide destruction rate. The effect of adding U-238 diluent to reduce power peaking is examined parametrically. The heterogeneous effects of placing an actinide target assembly in a fuel lattice are also examined.