Research Phase

The research phase establishes the scientific and engineering foundation for a thorium-based microreactor (TSMR, ~1 m³, 10 kW) by 2035, ensuring compliance with international norms (e.g., IAEA standards).

Objective

Develop the TSMR's core components, including thorium-232 fuel, graphite moderators, liquid sodium coolant, and lead/boron shielding, while modeling subcritical systems and fission fragment collection.

Materials

• Thorium-232 (5 kg, 99.98% purity): Fuel for subcritical reactor core.
• Graphite Moderators (99.9% purity): Slows neutrons to sustain fission.
• Lead/Boron Composite Shielding (10 cm thick): Ensures radiation safety.
• Liquid Sodium Coolant (industrial grade): Transfers heat to 10 kW output.
• Software: MCNP6 (neutron flux/shielding), COMSOL Multiphysics (heat transfer).
• Additional: Computing workstations, radiation detectors, safety gear.

Personnel

• Nuclear Physicist (1-2): Study fission fragments, model ADS.
• Nuclear Engineer (2): Simulate core, shielding in MCNP6.
• Thermal Engineer (1): Model heat transfer in COMSOL.
• Regulatory Specialist (1): Ensure IAEA compliance.
• Materials Scientist (1): Test material properties.
• Collaboration Liaison (1): Coordinate with ORNL, IAEA, Tesla.
• Simulation Technician (1): Run MCNP6/COMSOL simulations.

Methods

• Study fission fragment collection (LLNL dusty plasma reactors).
• Model subcritical thorium systems with proton accelerators (Rubbia’s ADS).
• Simulate neutron flux and shielding in MCNP6.
• Analyze heat transfer in COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Collaborate with ORNL, IAEA, and EV manufacturers (e.g., Tesla).

3-Month Schedule

Month 1: Foundation

• Test fission fragment collection (0.1 kg thorium, radiation detectors).
• Model ADS in MCNP6 (k_eff < 1).
• Test graphite and shielding materials.
• Initiate ORNL/IAEA/Tesla collaboration.

Month 2: Simulation

• Simulate neutron flux/shielding (MCNP6).
• Model sodium coolant heat transfer (COMSOL).
• Optimize fission fragment collector.
• Draft IAEA safety case.

Month 3: Integration

• Integrate TSMR model (MCNP6/COMSOL).
• Finalize safety case for IAEA review.
• Secure ORNL/Tesla partnerships.
• Compile research report.

Regulatory Compliance

Align with IAEA standards (SSG-68, NS-R-5, GSR Part 3, SSR-2/1, NS-G-3.5, NS-R-4, GSR Part 7, NS-G-1.10) for safety, radiation protection, and microreactor design.

Schematic

[Thorium-232 Core: 30x30x30 cm] --> [Proton Accelerator]
       |                           |
       v                           v
[Graphite Moderator] --> [Fission Fragment Collector: 30x30x20 cm]
       |                           |
       v                           v
[Liquid Sodium Cooling] --> [Lead/Boron Shielding: 10 cm]
            |
            v
[10 kW Output to Battery]
            

Next: Design Phase