Calculated Critical Parameters in Simple Geometries for Oxide and Nitrate Water Mixtures of U-233, U-235 and Pu-239 with Thorium. Final Report

摘要

Calculations have been performed on water mixtures of oxides and nitrates of exp 233 U, exp 235 U, and exp 239 Pu with chemically similar thorium compounds to determine critical dimensions for simple geometries (sphere, cylinder, and slab). Uranium enrichments calculated were 100%, 20%, 10%, and 5%; plutonium calculations assumed 100% exp 239 Pu. Thorium to uranium or plutonium weight ratios (Th: U or Pu) calculated were 0, 1, 4, and 8. Both bare and full water reflection conditions were calculated. The results of the calculations are plotted showing a critical dimension versus the uranium or plutonium concentration. Plots of K-infinity and material buckling for each material type are also shown. (ERA citation 05:013131)