Core designs based on research reactors for neutron transmutation doping of silicon

•We studied the core design of neutron transmutation doping (NTD) silicon reactors.•Core design was discussed based on calculations of fuel consumption and amount of silicon doping.•The 5 × 5 core has the highest efficiency of NTD silicon production.•Regarding the management of an NTD reactor, the 5 × 5 core has less risk than other cores.

We have studied the core design of neutron transmutation doping (NTD) silicon reactors using material testing reactor (MTR) fuel elements. Silicon ingots are irradiated in the reflector area, outside the core. A large core has a small leakage of neutrons and thus burns fuel efficiently. However, since a large core has less neutron leakage, the irradiation efficiency of neutrons in the reflector area is also lower. We discuss the most efficient design of a reactor core based on our calculations of fuel consumption and level of silicon doping.