Proliferation resistance evaluation of an HTGR transuranic fuel cycle using PRAETOR code.

• Proliferation resistance evaluation of an inert matrix fuel (IMF) in the transuranic nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) of a high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGR). • Impacts of chemical stability of IMF and fuel irradiation on the proliferation resistance. • Study shows scope for a more reasonable, cost-effective, and reduced safeguards inspection frequency to manage the fresh IMF block with a high proliferation resistance. The proliferation resistance (PR) of an inert matrix fuel (IMF) in the transuranic nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) of a high temperature gas cooled reactor is evaluated relative to the uranium and plutonium mixed-oxide (MOX) NFC of a light water reactor using PRAETOR code and sixty-eight input attributes. The objective is to determine the impacts of chemical stability of IMF and fuel irradiation on the PR. Specific material properties of the IMF, such as lower plutonium content, carbide ceramics coating, and absence of 235U, contribute to enhance its relative PR compared to MOX fuel. The overall PR value of the fresh IMF (an unirradiated direct use material with a one-month diversion detection timeliness goal) is nearly equal to that of the spent MOX fuel (an irradiated direct use nuclear material with a three-month diversion detection timeliness goal). Final results suggest a reduced safeguards inspection frequency to manage the IMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]