Subcriticality guidelines for LMFBR spent-fuel shipping casks

Technical Report · Mon Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7216724

Philbin, J S; Dupree, S A

Three-dimensional Monte Carlo criticality calculations have been performed with KENO IV on two types of LMFBR subassemblies placed in configurations considered appropriate for shipping-cask applications. The report presents the effects of geometry, coolant, and loading changes--along with shield/structure material selection--on the self-multiplication of such systems. An example is shown which permits the determination of the maximum payload of CRBR fuel allowed under specified limits for k/sub eff/. Fuel enrichment, number of subassemblies, and type of coolant used are generally the most sensitive variables affecting self-multiplication. Of lesser importance are the type of gamma shield used and the pitch between subassemblies; the choice of neutron-shield material and outer case structure are of least importance. The correlations presented are expected to be useful in making decisions related to shipping-cask designs.

• Research Organization: Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0789
• OSTI ID: 7216724
• Report Number(s): SAND-76-0603
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420204* -- Engineering-- Shipping Containers
BREEDER REACTORS
CASKS
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
COMPUTER CODES
CONTAINERS
CRITICALITY
DESIGN
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
FUEL ELEMENTS
K CODES
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
SAFETY
SPENT FUEL CASKS
SPENT FUEL ELEMENTS
TRANSPORT