Neutronic double heterogeneity effect in particle dispersed type inert matrix fuels

Rock-like oxide (ROX) fuel concept is studied in Japan for effective plutonium burning in light water reactors (LWRs). ROX is a heterogeneous fuel, where Pu containing yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) particles are dispersed in spinel matrix, and similar to the high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTR) fuel. The effect of such a ‘double’ heterogeneity (fuel, structure and coolant heterogeneity in reactor core, plus fuel heterogeneity) on HTR neutronic characteristics is important, while the effect was not taken into account in the ROX fueled LWR neutronics calculations. Here, this double heterogeneity effect is estimated for ROX fueled LWR, and compared with the Pu containing YSZ particle fueled HTR. As a result, the heterogeneity effect was negligible in the ROX–LWR system, while it is notable in YSZ–HTR system. The volume fraction of YSZ particle in the fuel region is one of the important parameter to cause the difference.