Optimization of core reload pattern for PARR-1 using evolutionary techniques

A procedure for searching optimum loading pattern to ensure safe and efficient reactor utilization was established for Pakistan Research Reactor-1 (PARR-1). A 6 × 5 core of PARR-1 consisting of 24 standard fuel elements, 5 control fuel elements and one flux trap was used in the study. The optimum loading schemes for maximum cycle length and maximum thermal flux in the flux trap were recommended using the developed methodology.