Start-up core design study in RFBB and Neutron Nuclear Data Measurement Using the J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source and the Tokyo Tech Pelletron Accelerator

Toru Obara

Abstract:

Rotational Fuel-shuffling Breed-and-Burn reactor (RFBB) has been studied as a reactor
that can achieve effective utilization of uranium resources and reduction of nuclear
waste. In this talk, the concept of the RFBB and the current study of the start-up core
design is introduced.

Biography:

Toru Obara is a professor at the Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute for
Innovative Research, and the Graduate Major in Nuclear Engineering, Tokyo Institute
of Technology. His major research field is reactor physics. He is currently working
mainly on the research of innovative fast reactor concepts and criticality safety during
debris removal at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.

Tatsuya Katabuchi

Abstract:

Our research centers on neutron-induced nuclear reactions, primarily focusing on neutron
capture reaction, and utilizes neutron beams from the J-PARC spallation neutron source
and Tokyo Tech Pelletron accelerator. Neutron capture reaction is a fundamental process
with significant applications in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear waste transmutation, and
nuclear astrophysics. We investigate the underlying mechanisms, impacts, and
applications, offering valuable insights into reactor safety, waste management, and the
nucleosynthesis of stars. This talk presents a concise overview of our work, highlighting the
key role of neutron-induced nuclear reactions in various scientific domains.

Biography:

Dr. Tatsuya Katabuchi earned their Doctor of Science in Physics from the University of
Tsukuba in 1999. Following this achievement, he began his academic career as a
Research Associate at the University of Tsukuba from 1999 to 2001, followed by a
Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from
2001 to 2004, where he conducted fundamental research on few-body nuclear reactions
building a polarized 3 He target. After returning to Japan, he worked as a COE Associate
Professor at Gunma University from 2004 to 2006, where he was involved in the production
of radioisotopes for medical use. In August 2006, he moved to the Tokyo Institute of
Technology as an Assistant Professor, where he has been conducting nuclear data
research using neutron beams. He was promoted to Associate Professor in May 2016,
leading his research group.