Criticality of Arrays of ²³³U Solution

Abstract

The results of neutron multiplication measurements performed with arrays of ²³³U solution apply to criticality safety considerations in handling solutions at a concentration of ≈ 330 g²³³ U/liter and are useful in checking computational methods. The measurements were made with ≤ 17.3 kg ²³³U in both reflected and unreflected arrays. Critical numbers of bottles were determined as a function of spacing, and the effect of adding moderating material between the bottles comprising an array was also examined. Monte Carlo calculations were found to reproduce the experimental data reasonably well, with k_eff being computed to within about 0.03 of unity for those cases compared.