Development of an Algorithm for Determining Radiotoxicity of Spent Nuclear Fuel Over Time

Abstract

Knowledge of how the radiotoxicity of spent nuclear fuel changes over time is essential when designing and evaluating spent fuel storage and treatment methods. The common method of performing calculations to obtain these data is to use standardized transmutation codes, which are computer programs with built-in solution methods to a given set of problem types. Currently widespread transmutation codes require a time-intensive process in order to prepare calculations of this nature and obtain the results in a convenient format. Furthermore, access to these transmutation codes is not universal. The purpose of this work was to use one of these codes, EASY2003, to develop a simpler and faster algorithm for solution of these time-dependent radiotoxicity changes. The basic methodology employed was to perform EASY2003 calculations separately on all relevant isotopes, and then to generate an algorithm that can amalgamate these individual results into a solution of any given fuel mixture and amount. For verification purposes, the algorithm generated was applied to a sample spent fuel mixture, and the solution was compared with a more traditional solution method generated by the transmutation code ORIGEN-ARP.