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Criticality Potential of Waste Packages Containing DOE SNF Affected by Igneous Intrusion

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/893931· OSTI ID:893931
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently preparing an application to submit to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a construction authorization for a monitored geologic repository. The repository will contain spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and defense high-level waste (DHLW) in waste packages placed in underground tunnels, or drifts. The primary objective of this paper is to perform a criticality analysis for waste packages containing DOE SNF affected by a disruptive igneous intrusion event in the emplacement drifts. The waste packages feature one DOE SNF canister placed in the center and surrounded by five High-Level Waste (HLW) glass canisters. The effective neutron multiplication factor (k{sub eff}) is determined for potential configurations of the waste package during and after an intrusive igneous event. Due to the complexity of the potential scenarios following an igneous intrusion, finding conservative and bounding configurations with respect to criticality requires some additional considerations. In particular, the geometry of a slumped and damaged waste package must be examined, drift conditions must be modeled over a range of parameters, and the chemical degradation of DOE SNF and waste package materials must be considered for the expected high temperatures. The secondary intent of this calculation is to present a method for selecting conservative and bounding configurations for a wide range of end conditions.
Research Organization:
Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
OSTI ID:
893931
Report Number(s):
NA; MOL.20060711.0199, DC# 46889
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
CONSTRUCTION
CONTAINERS
CRITICALITY
GEOMETRY
GLASS
MULTIPLICATION FACTORS
NEUTRONS
NUCLEAR FUELS
Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
POSITIONING
WASTES