An object is to change reactor core thermal output. A nuclear reactor includes an annular fuel layer and a heat conductive layer stacked on the fuel layer and extending around a periphery of the fuel layer.

A method of forming one or more structures by additive manufacturing comprises introducing a first layer of a powder mixture comprising graphite and a fuel on a surface of a substrate. The first layer is at least partially compacted and then exposed to laser radiation to form a first layer of material comprising the fuel dispersed within a graphite matrix material. At least a second layer of the powder mixture is provided over the first layer of material and exposed to laser radiation to form inter-granular bonds between the second layer and the first layer. Related structures and methods of forming one or more structures are also disclosed.

A method of forming one or more structures by additive manufacturing comprises introducing a first layer of a powder mixture comprising graphite and a fuel on a surface of a substrate. The first layer is at least partially compacted and then exposed to laser radiation to form a first layer of material comprising the fuel dispersed within a graphite matrix material. At least a second layer of the powder mixture is provided over the first layer of material and exposed to laser radiation to form inter-granular bonds between the second layer and the first layer. Related structures and methods of forming one or more structures are also disclosed.

The present invention concerns a fuel assembly for a nuclear power boiling water reactor. The fuel assembly comprises fuel rods. At least 95% of the fuel rods comprise nuclear fuel material in the form of U enriched in 235U. At least 20% of the fuel rods belong to a first set of fuel rods. The fuel rods in this first set comprise both U enriched in 235U and Th. The first set comprises a first and a second subset of fuel rods. The ratio, with regard to weight, between Th and U, in each fuel rod of said first subset, is higher than the ratio, with regard to weight, between Th and U, in each fuel rod of said second subset. The invention also concerns a nuclear power boiling water reactor and a manner of operating such a reactor.

The present invention concerns a fuel assembly for a nuclear power boiling water reactor. The fuel assembly comprises fuel rods. At least 95% of the fuel rods comprise nuclear fuel material in the form of U enriched in 235U. At least 20% of the fuel rods belong to a first set of fuel rods. The fuel rods in this first set comprise both U enriched in 235U and Th. The first set comprises a first and a second subset of fuel rods. The ratio, with regard to weight, between Th and U, in each fuel rod of said first subset, is higher than the ratio, with regard to weight, between Th and U, in each fuel rod of said second subset. The invention also concerns a nuclear power boiling water reactor and a manner of operating such a reactor.

The present disclosure provides a fuel rod and a fuel assembly, in which the fuel rod includes a first uranium pellet, a gadolinium pellet and a second uranium pellet, and the first uranium pellet, the gadolinium pellet and the second uranium pellet are each of a cylindrical shape, an end face of an end of the gadolinium pellet is connected to an end face of an end of the first uranium pellet, and an end face of an opposite end of the gadolinium pellet is connected to an end face of an end of the second uranium pellet, and the difference between an enrichment of the gadolinium pellet and an enrichment of the first uranium pellet is less than or equal to 0.5%, and the difference between an enrichment of the gadolinium pellet and an enrichment of the second uranium pellet is less than or equal to 0.5%.

An enclosure for non-organic electronic components is provided which includes an inner cavity for housing non-organic electronic components and a neutron shielding barrier surrounding the inner cavity and the electronic components housed within the cavity. The barrier is formed from a neutron reflecting material in solid or powdered form and a neutron absorbing material in solid or powdered form. An optional structural support is provided in certain aspects of the enclosure design.

A method of forming one or more structures by additive manufacturing comprises introducing a first layer of a powder mixture comprising graphite and a fuel on a surface of a substrate. The first layer is at least partially compacted and then exposed to laser radiation to form a first layer of material comprising the fuel dispersed within a graphite matrix material. At least a second layer of the powder mixture is provided over the first layer of material and exposed to laser radiation to form inter-granular bonds between the second layer and the first layer. Related structures and methods of forming one or more structures are also disclosed.

A method of forming one or more structures by additive manufacturing comprises introducing a first layer of a powder mixture comprising graphite and a fuel on a surface of a substrate. The first layer is at least partially compacted and then exposed to laser radiation to form a first layer of material comprising the fuel dispersed within a graphite matrix material. At least a second layer of the powder mixture is provided over the first layer of material and exposed to laser radiation to form inter-granular bonds between the second layer and the first layer. Related structures and methods of forming one or more structures are also disclosed.

A modular nuclear reactor comprises a plurality of sections arranged in a pattern and a side reflector material surrounding the plurality of sections. Each section includes a tank comprising a front plate, a back plate, side plates, a top plate, and a bottom plate. A plurality of grid plates are located within the tank. Each grid plate comprises a plurality of apertures and is vertically separated from an adjacent grid plate. The tank further includes a plurality of fuel elements extending through each grid plate. A plurality of heat pipes extend through each grid plate, the top plate, and an upper reflector. Methods of forming the modular nuclear reactor are also disclosed.