Core Design of 49-2 Swimming Pool Reactor Using CARR Spent Fuel

49-2 Swimming Pool Reactor (49-2 SPR) has so many advantages that it can’t be replaced in reactor fields. The average unloading burnup of China Advanced Research Reactor (CARR) is only about 32%-33% which is far below the maximum test fuel burnup of 71.8%, so CARR spent fuel has potential of reuse. The reactor was designed using CARR spent fuel in 49-2 SPR based on the character of systems of 49.2 SPR, application requirement and CARR spent fuel, and the main physical and thermotechnical parameters were obtained. The classic accident analysis was carried out, too. The results show that the rate power of 5 MW is suitable, and the design meets the safety requirements for reactivity control, temperature, pressure, temperature coefficient, shielding, etc. The core is safe in the main design basic accident. The neutron fluence rate and its uniformity, the effective length of the irradiation channel, fuel temperature and refuel cycle are superior than those of present 49-2 SPR, so it meets the need on subsequent research and production.