thermo-hydraulic feasibility study for the power-upgraded of tehran research reactor compact core

This study investigates the power upgrade of the tehran research reactor (trr) to enhance neutron flux for various applications. two strategies are proposed: (1) utilizing spent fuel for economic feasibility and (2) adopting a compact core layout to maximize neutron flux. neutronic simulations reveal that the compact core with 26 fuel assemblies can safely operate at 8.5 mw, achieving a thermal neutron flux greater than 1.5×1014 n.cm-2·s-1. thermal-hydraulic analysis shows that, with a power peaking factor (ppf) of 2.7, safety criteria are met at 8.5 mw. reducing the power to 8.3 mw ensures full compliance with all safety requirements. under a conservative approach with a ppf of 3.0, a safe operational power of 7.5 mw is achievable. moreover, lowering the coolant inlet temperature by 3 °c improves reactor performance, allowing safe operation at 8.5 mw, with potential to exceed 9 mw at high mass flow rates while maintaining safety margins.