Nuclear Criticality Safety Aspects for the Future of HALEU: Evaluating Heterogeneity in Intermediate-Enrichment Uranium Using Critical Benchmark Experiments

Abstract

In order to support the development and deployment of uranium fuels with enrichment beyond 5%, additional criticality safety methodologies are needed to prevent the possibility of criticality accidents. Specifically, improved methodologies for computer code validation using evaluated critical experiments, particularly for dissolver systems, need to be developed. Potential candidate evaluations and methodologies are presented to evaluate the effect of heterogeneity for intermediate-enrichment uranium systems.

Keywords:

• Criticality safety
• intermediate-enrichment uranium
• heterogeneity
• IEU
• HALEU

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Mr. Adolf Garcia from the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office for his kindness, guidance, and eternal optimism. May he rest in peace.