NSTD Research Projects: TRP
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TRP -> Campaign/Number -> TRP 35
TRP 35. Criticality Studies for UREX Processes
September 2006 - Current
Research Objectives & Methods
In collaboration between UNLV, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), criticality studies will be conducted to support the development of future fuel cycle facilities. The first step in determining requirements for criticality studies is an examination of past experiments and criticality and sensitivity studies, as well as available databases. Further sensitivity studies will determine what kinds of experiments should be performed to ensure criticality safety in advanced processes. This information can then be used to formulate an optimum set of experiments that can be analyzed in advance using state-of-the-art radiation transport codes. As these facilities and experiments will include complex geometries, a Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code will be used in these sensitivity, scoping and design studies. The work may also require generation of new cross section libraries and thermal scattering coefficient databases. Future criticality studies may include cross section sensitivity studies and design of critical experiments including dilute mixtures of Pu, mixed higher actinides in solution, and fuels.
Researchers
- Denis Beller, Mechanical Engineering
- Charlotta Sanders, Mechanical Engineering
Collaborators
- Richard McKnight, Argonne National Laboratory
- Michael Dunn, Nuclear Data Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- David Hayes, Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Thomas Ward, UNLV Russian Collaboration Science Adviser, TechSource, Inc.
Students
- Timothy Beller, MS, Materials & Nuclear Engineering
- Ryan LeCounte, MS, Materials & Nuclear Engineering
- Tanya Sloma, MS, Materials & Nuclear Engineering
- Lawrence Lakeotes, MS, Mechanical Engineering
- Sandra De La Cruz, Undergraduate, Mechanical Engineering