A two-dimensional multiregion computer model for predicting nuclear excursions in aqueous homogeneous solution assemblies
- Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States). Dept. of Nuclear and Energy Engineering
The reprocessing of nuclear fuel usually involves the process of chemical separation. The fuel, usually in oxide form, is first dissolved in some type of acid such as nitric, sulfuric, or hydrofluoric. This results in the fuel being transformed into a homogeneous aqueous fissile solution. In this form there may be a higher probability of an accidental criticality of the solution, especially when being transported through pipes or stored in vessels. Here, a new two-dimensional computer model for simulating power and pressure pulses in aqueous fissile solutions has been developed. This model includes a radiolytic gas production model that tracks the number of gas bubbles produced during an excursion. An equation of state has been developed that accounts for the production of inertial pressure due to a lag in thermal expansion and the creation of radiolytic gas bubbles. In addition, a study of various reactivity feedback mechanisms occurring during nuclear bursts has been made. The model`s predicted power and pressure pulses are compared with data from the KEWB and SILENE solution pulsed reactor experiments and have produced results that closely match the experimental data and that exhibit the main features of the experimental power and pressure traces.
- OSTI ID:
- 218503
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Science and Engineering, Vol. 122, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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