Sensitivity Analysis of the Criticality Evaluation Concerning Pyroprocess

  • Published : 2010.05.13

Abstract

Sensitivity analysis by TSUNAMI clarifies the complex effects of key nuclides on the criticality probability quantitatively. As discussed above, the $K_{eff}$ of $UO_2$ fuel reaches the maximum value with 42w% concentration of intrusion water. The concentration of hydrogen affects the complexity of reaching criticality by its competition between the concentrations of $^{235}U$. Approximately if the weight percent of $H_2O$ in the mixture is less than 42%, the moderation effect of hydrogen surpasses its dilution effect on $^{235}U$. However, the importance of $^{235}U$ increases dramatically when the weight percent of water is bigger than 42%. In the sensitivity evaluation of $UO_2$ fuel employing TSUMAMI, there is a similar crosspoint of the sensitivity of $^{235}U$ and the sensitivity of $^1H$ where the criticality reaches summit. And the optimal water weight percent is determined to be 50%.

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