Identification of unknown nuclear material


J. G. Fantidis
G. E. Nikolaou
F. N. Tsagas
Abstract

The identification of spent PWR nuclear fuel in terms of its initial enrichment and final burnup is demonstrated. Spent UO2 fuel from a PWR power station was used as the nuclear material of supposed unknown irradiation history. The identification procedure was based on determining the U and Pu isotopic composition of the fuel by chemical analyses, simulation calculations of fuel evolution and statistical analysis. The procedures followed and associated limitations are discussed.

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References
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