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Underground Criticality in Geologic Disposal 1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2012

J-S Choi  and
T. H. Pigford
J-S Choi
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
T. H. Pigford
Affiliation:
Nuclear Engineering Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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Abstract

Disposition of weapons fissile material as once-through MOx fuel in reactorsor immobilization in waste glass would result in end products requiringgeologic disposal. Similar considerations apply to some spent fuels in ageologic repository. The criticality potential of these end products in ageologic setting is an important consideration for the final disposal ofthese materials. In this document we present calculations that help defineparameters and configurations for criticality, including those that, if thecriticality is achieved, could lead to autocatalytic power transients. It isnot the purpose of this paper to define scenarios that could reasonably leadto criticality or to establish the probabilities that criticalconfigurations could occur. We do suggest some parameters that should beconsidered by waste package designers and repository analysts to ensure thatcriticality cannot occur.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 465: Symposium II – Scienfific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XX , 1996 , 1273
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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Footnotes

1

This is an independent study by the authors. It is not associated withLawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

References

REFERENCES

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