Numerical analysis of radionuclide migration through engineered barriers

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5353221

Cheung, S C.H.; Chan, T; Lopez, R S

A finite-element simulation has been performed to study the effects on the radionuclide flux, of the failure characteristics of a nuclear fuel disposal waste container, the buffer configuration, and the backfill properties, assuming an intact borehole rock wall. The results show that the total integrated flux from a failed container, through the buffer to a backfill with a diffusion coefficient and hydraulic conductivity higher than that of the buffer, increases as the radial buffer thickness increases, and the vertical buffer thickness decreases. The total flux can be estimated by a one-dimensional diffusion equation. If the backfill has the same diffusion coefficient and hydraulic conductivity as the buffer, the total flux will be reduced by approximately 30% compared with the situation when crushed rock or sand is used as backfill. For localized failure of the waste container, the total flux is mainly dependent on the failure location regardless of the area of the failed surface.

• Research Organization: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Pinawa, Manitoba
• OSTI ID: 5353221
• Journal Information: Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc.; (United States), Journal Name: Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc.; (United States) Vol. 26; ISSN MRSPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052002* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Waste Disposal & Storage
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CONTAINERS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FAILURES
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FUELS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
MANAGEMENT
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
REACTOR MATERIALS
SIMULATION
SPENT FUELS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT