Abstract
The work aims to propose new configurations for the IEA-R1 reactor core of IPEN/CNEN-SP using U3Si2-Al fuel elements with a uranium density of 4.8 gU/cm3 (42.5% in volume of the U3Si2 phase), maximum density qualified for this type of fuel in the world. The increased uranium density in the reactor fuel will allow configurations with fewer fuel elements in relation to the current one (5x5)…