A computational framework to support probabilistic criticality modelling for the geological disposal of radioactive waste

Abstract

Nuclear Waste Services is tasked with disposal of the UK’s higher-activity radioactive waste in a Geological Disposal Facility. The disposal of fissile nuclides requires a demonstration that there is no significant concern from criticality, i.e. a fission chain reaction. While waste packages will initially be emplaced in a subcritical configuration, over the long timescales following closure there is potential for waste packages to degrade and for nuclides to be dispersed in the subsurface by groundwater, leading to the potential for a critical system forming. To facilitate modelling, a codebase has been developed which interfaces a probabilistic simulation tool (GoldSim) with a neutron transport code (MONK/MCNP). This allows large ensemble simulations to be run iteratively to determine limiting fissile masses which satisfy a criticality safety criterion. This paper documents the main algorithms and methodologies implemented within this framework, and provides background and example results illustrating the application to post-closure criticality modelling.