A note on the optimization of parameters for the design of a poison-tube tank

Computational analysis is carried out to arrive at the optimal parameters for the safe and economic design of a poison-tube tank for the storage of fissile solution. The parameters studied are tube diameter, gap between tubes, packed density of the neutron poison (Boron carbide) and wall thickness of the tubes. The aim is to maximize the fissile solution volume satisfying the safety criteria for criticality. Finding the precise values of optimal parameters is a very difficult task. Here a practical way of finding the optimal parameters subject to the design constraints is indicated.