THE POTENTIAL OF ACCELERATOR DRIVEN CORES IN A SELF-CONSISTENT NUCLEAR-ENERGY SYSTEM

The self-consistent nuclear energy system proposed as an ultimate goal for further nuclear development simultaneously satisfies four objecti ves: energy generation, fuel breeding, transmutation of radionuclides, and system safety. Assuming advanced fast reactors as main contributo rs in a nuclear energy system, the authors consider the potential role of accelerator driven cores to facilitate the solution of the transmu tation problem from the standpoint of self-consistency requirements. T hey discuss the scientific feasibility of neutron excess generation in accelerator driven cores, which is required to incinerate fission pro ducts without isotope separation. A target made of uranium-bismuth com pounds is proposed to provide the fuel and neutron generation which ar e required for self-consistency.