This report is part of study to identify reference geologic disposal concepts for generic studies in the Used Fuel Disposition R&D Campaign. This report summarizes the work on both enclosed and open modes, which has been expanded to include thermal analysis of open modes, a range of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) burnup, additional disposal system description, and cost estimation.

Presented at the NEI Used Fuel Management Conference, St. Petersburg, FL, May 7-9, 2013

The purpose of this calculation is to develop an estimate of the isotopic content as a function of time for mixed oxide (MOX) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies in a Westinghouse pressurized water reactor (PWR). These data will be used as source data for criticality, thermal, and radiation shielding evaluations of waste package (WP) designs for MOX assemblies in the Monitored Geologic Repository (MGR).

This test protocols report presents the NRC staff’s preliminary plans for an experimental phase of the Package Performance Study (PPS), which is examining the response of transportation casks to extreme transportation accident conditions. The staff proposes to conduct tests of full-scale rail and full-scale truck casks including a high-speed impact with an unyielding surface followed by an extreme fire test. The NRC has a contract in place with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to conduct the impact and fire tests and to carry out a series of analyses to support the test program.

Reference concepts for geologic disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste in
the U.S. are developed, including geologic settings and engineered barriers. Repository thermal
analysis is demonstrated for a range of waste types from projected future, advanced nuclear fuel
cycles. The results show significant differences among geologic media considered (clay/shale,
crystalline rock, salt), and also that waste package size and waste loading must be limited to meet
targeted maximum temperature values.