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Neutron Activation of Structural Materials in a Lead Fast Reactor

Background

As part of its nuclear innovation efforts, SCK CEN is developing a Lead Fast Reactor (LFR) technology demonstrator. Structural components exposed to fast neutrons—including reactor vessel materials, cladding, and internals—become activated over time. A detailed understanding of this activation is required to support material selection, maintenance planning, and radioactive waste management.

Objective

This internship focuses on the neutron activation of structural materials in the LFR. The aim is to quantify the inventory of activation products over the reactor lifetime and assess the implications for material categorization and end-of-life waste disposal.

Scope of Work

The intern will:

  1. Neutron Transport & Activation Simulations

    • Use Serpent to calculate neutron spectra at key structural locations (e.g., vessel, internals, core barrel).

    • Perform activation calculations for structural alloys.

  2. Structural Waste Classification

    • Identify significant activation products and their decay characteristics.

    • Estimate decay heat and radiological properties after shutdown for varying cooling times.

    • Classify materials based on Belgian and EU disposal criteria.

    • Perform a sensitivity analysis to model parameters (reactor design choices, etc).

Expected Outcomes

  • Inventory of activation products in structural components over time.

  • Technical report (or MSc thesis).

  • Oral presentations to the SCK CEN relevant parties. 

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