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Review of the experiments performed to determine the radiological consequences of a criticality accident

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4403060· OSTI ID:4403060
The series of nuclear criticality excursions in aqueous solutions of uranium highly enriched in the /sup 235/U isotope, conducted by the Service d'Etudes de Criticite of the French Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique from 1968 through 1971, are summarized. A total of 40 excursions were observed under a wide range of solution concentrations and ramp reactivity insertions. Results for the pulse trains that developed include determination of peak fission rates, pulse widths, integrated yields, and consequent gamma-ray dose rates. The analysis of these results suggests the strong influence of gas evolution, as well as temperature, as a mechanism limiting pulse size. (auth)
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, Tenn. (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
NSA Number:
NSA-29-003149
OSTI ID:
4403060
Report Number(s):
Y-CDC--12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English