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Californium-252-Source-Driven Noise Analysis Measurements for Characterization of Concrete HEU Storage Vaults

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society
OSTI ID:6908624
 [1];  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
The 252Cf-source-driven noise analysis method has been used in measurements for subcritical configurations of fissile systems for a variety of applications. Measurements of 25 fissile systems have been performed with a wide variety of materials and configurations. This method has been applied to measurements for the following: (1) initial fuel loading of reactors; (2) quality assurance of reactor fuel elements; (3) fuel preparation facilities; (4) fuel processing facilities; (5) fuel storage facilities; (6) zero-power testing of reactors; and (7) verification of calculational methods for assemblies with the neutron k < 1. This paper discusses Monte Carlo calculations of noise-measured parameters for a highly enriched uranium (HEU) storage vault for evaluating whether a subcriticality measurement with an existing Cf-252 source and commercially available detectors was feasible and to determine if the measurement could characterize the ability of the concrete to isolate the fissile material.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
OSTI ID:
6908624
Report Number(s):
CONF-931160--
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Journal Volume: 69
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English