Criticality characteristics of mixtures of plutonium, silicon dioxide, Nevada tuff, and water
Journal Article
·
· Nuclear Science and Engineering
OSTI ID:638400
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
The parameters that determine when critical mixtures of {sup 239}Pu, SiO{sub 2}, and water and mixtures of {sup 239}Pu, Nevada tuff, and water are capable of sustaining an increasing neutron chain reaction as may be caused by a positive void coefficient at constant temperature are established. A single canister is considered that is loaded with up to 75 kg of {sup 239}Pu. A survey of critical spherical mixtures of plutonium, SiO{sub 2}, tuff, and water at constant temperature is created and these results are examined to determine the mixtures that might be autocatalytic. Regions of criticality instability are identified that have the possibility of autocatalytic power behavior. A positive void coefficient is possible for a very limited range of wet systems.
- OSTI ID:
- 638400
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Science and Engineering, Journal Name: Nuclear Science and Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 129; ISSN NSENAO; ISSN 0029-5639
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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