Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-11-2023

Abstract

A predictive density tool has been developed to reduce bias and uncertainty in nuclear criticality safety calculations for aqueous plutonium nitrate systems. Multiple methods to calculate the density were reviewed and an empirical method was selected for use. The selected method was then implemented into a Python tool to calculate the solution density and the atom densities for an MCNP6.2 input file.

The Python tool has been validated and verified against the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments to predict densities within ± 2.6%. The capability to calculate and utilize densities from this tool is a large improvement from current aqueous plutonium solution density modeling methods. This work will not only provide more accurate models but also lead the way towards a better understanding and potential relaxation in the conservatism of the current aqueous plutonium processing limits.

Sponsors

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Nuclear Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Nuclear Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Christopher Perfetti

Second Committee Member

Dr. Forrest Brown

Third Committee Member

Jennifer Alwin

Fourth Committee Member

Norann Calhoun

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