Computational analysis of a neutron trap in the center of the WWR-K reactor core for irradiation tests of large-sized objects

Nowadays, the WWR-K research reactor is operated with low-enriched uranium fuel and a beryllium neutron reflector. Irradiation positions located in the core make it possible to irradiate objects no larger than 50 mm in size. In the reactor tank, behind the beryllium reflector, there are irradiation positions with a diameter of 200 mm, but in them, in comparison with irradiation positions in the core, the neutron intensity is lower. This motivated us to carry out computational studies on the generation of a large diameter neutron trap in the center of the WWR-K reactor core. The paper presents the results of neutron-physical calculations on the generation of a neutron trap in the center of the WWR-K reactor core. The generation of a large diameter neutron trap in the core of the WWR-K reactor will make it possible to carry out radiation tests of large objects. For this, it is necessary to change the layout of the core. The influence of the transformation of the core on the experimental characteristics of the WWR-K reactor is shown.