LAUSR

Abstract Small modular reactors (SMRs) have attracted significant research interest owing to their various applications. The scale of SMRs can be adjusted according to the site. To realize the flexibility of SMRs, introduction of a graded approach in their regulation based on nuclear safety and security features is essential. The effects of U3Si2 fuel and minor actinide (MA) doping on the fundamental neutronics, nuclear safety, and security of small and medium pressurized water reactors (SMPWRs) were evaluated in comparison to the case where UO2 fuel was employed. It was revealed that the reactivity of equivalent U3Si2 fuel (MA doped and non-doped) was better than that of UO2 fuel. Furthermore, the temperature of the U3Si2 fuel during operation was much lower than that of UO2 fuel. Although the material attractiveness of the U3Si2 fuel was categorized in the same grade as that of UO2 fuel, U3Si2 fuel demonstrated complexity during processing phase.