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An Assessment of Replacing Aluminum Tubes Hosting Nuclear Fuels with Stainless Steel in a Subcritical Nuclear Reactor

Author

Listed:
  • Diego Medina-Castro

    (Plasma Physics Laboratory, National Institute for Nuclear Research, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac 52750, Mexico)

  • Héctor René Vega-Carrillo

    (Radiobiology Academic Group, Academic Unit for Nuclear Studies, Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Cipres 10, Fracc. La Peñuela, Zacatecas 98068, Mexico)

  • Antonio Baltazar-Raigosa

    (Radiobiology Academic Group, Academic Unit for Nuclear Studies, Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Cipres 10, Fracc. La Peñuela, Zacatecas 98068, Mexico
    Electrical Engineering Academic Unit, Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Av. Lopez Velarde s/n. Col. Centro, Zacatecas 98000, Mexico)

  • Tzinnia Gabriela Soto-Bernal

    (School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 1500, Aguascalientes 20328, Mexico)

  • Régulo López-Callejas

    (Plasma Physics Laboratory, National Institute for Nuclear Research, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac 52750, Mexico)

  • Benjamín Gonzalo Rodríguez-Méndez

    (Plasma Physics Laboratory, National Institute for Nuclear Research, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac 52750, Mexico)

Abstract

This computational study using MCNP5 evaluated the feasibility of replacing 6061-T6 aluminum with 316L stainless steel (SS-316L) for the tubes hosting the uranium slugs in the subcritical nuclear reactor Nuclear Chicago model 9000, thereby contributing to its preservation as a key resource for nuclear research and education in Mexico. Simulations and dosimetric analyses (ICRP/ICRU) confirmed subcriticality in both configurations. Notably, SS-316L demonstrated an effective attenuation of peripheral gamma radiation and a reduction in the ambient neutron dose, indicating a considerable improvement in radiological safety. Although a reduction in thermal and epithermal neutron fluence was observed, the similarity in the gamma spectrum suggests no significant alteration for gamma spectroscopic experiments. In conclusion, SS-316L presents a promising alternative that enhances radiological safety and reactor longevity, making it a worthy consideration as a replacement material. Further experimental investigation is recommended to assess material activation and the gamma dose in the vicinity of the fuel.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego Medina-Castro & Héctor René Vega-Carrillo & Antonio Baltazar-Raigosa & Tzinnia Gabriela Soto-Bernal & Régulo López-Callejas & Benjamín Gonzalo Rodríguez-Méndez, 2025. "An Assessment of Replacing Aluminum Tubes Hosting Nuclear Fuels with Stainless Steel in a Subcritical Nuclear Reactor," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:12:p:3213-:d:1682585
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