NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLY HAVING MOX RODS AND MOX-GADOLINIA RODS

摘要

The invention provides advantageous fuel assembly configurations for mixed oxide fuels. Neutron poisons are provided within the MOX of certain fuel rods in the fuel assembly, those fuel rods being preferentially grouped towards the periphery of the fuel assembly. In this way optimised reduction of reactivity is provided during the initial part of the fuel cycle but the neutron poison is burnt out so as not to interfere with the reactivity during subsequent parts of your cycle.