
doi: 10.2172/5307428
Features of geologic disposal which hamper the demonstration that criticality cannot occur therein include possible changes of shape and form, intrusion of water as a neutron moderator, and selective leaching of spent fuel constituents. If the criticality safety of spent fuel disposal depends on burnup, independent measurements verifying the burnup should be performed prior to disposal. The status of nondestructive analysis method which might provide such verification is discussed. Calculations were performed to assess the potential for increasing the allowed size of a spent fuel disposal canister if potential water intrusion were limited by close-packing the enclosed rods. Several factors were identified which severely limited the potential of this application. The theoretical limit of hexagonal close-packing cannot be achieved due to fuel rod bowing. It is concluded that disposal canisters should be sized on the basis of assumed optimum moderation. Several topics for additional research were identified during this limited study.
Criticality, Spent Fuel Storage, Storage 050900* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Transport, Handling, Underground Storage, Moderators, Measuring Methods, 11 Nuclear Fuel Cycle And Fuel Materials, Burnup, & Storage, Chemical Analysis, Safety, Nondestructive Analysis
Criticality, Spent Fuel Storage, Storage 050900* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Transport, Handling, Underground Storage, Moderators, Measuring Methods, 11 Nuclear Fuel Cycle And Fuel Materials, Burnup, & Storage, Chemical Analysis, Safety, Nondestructive Analysis
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 2 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
