Specificities of experimental reactors

Objectives of the module:

• Acquire a detailed vision of experimental reactors, existing or under study, and their specificities:
• Identify the main types of reactors and experimental devices,
• Describe their technologies and systems,
• Explain the safety issues and regulations specific to them,
• Examine the specificities related to their exploitation,
• Explain the objectives and design choices of the Jules Horowitz reactor (JHR).

Content:

• Introduction to experimental reactors.
• Reminders of neutronics and nuclear physics.
• Fuel from current and developing reactors.
• Experimental devices.
• Design of the battery pack.
• Thermohydraulic, primary circulation and pressurization.
• Development constraints and architecture.
• Exploitation: specific problems, feedback.
• Positioning of research reactors in their environment.
• Presentation of recent major projects.
• Presentation of the RJH project.
• Risks related to experimental reactors. Incidents, accidents.
• Safety systems.
• French and international regulations.
• Presentation and visit of reactors.