Temperature distribution in gamma-active spheres

Abstract

One of the ultimate methods proposed for high level radioactive waste disposal is to contain the activity in ceramic bodies and bury them underground or in deep sea. The limit of the activity that can be incorporated in such bodies is decided by the temperature rise in the body due to the absorption of nuclear radiation. This paper discusses the temperature distribution in a solid sphere containing long-lived gamma emitters and buried in a medium having the same thermal properties. Analytical expressions are given for heat source distribution and for calculations of temperature distribution in and out of a solid sphere containing gamma activity. Numerical values obtained with energies in the range of 0.5 to 3 MeV and in spheres of radii 10, 20 and 30 cm are presented. The results are compared with those of the beta case.