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NRC proposes changes to its rules on nuclear materials
In response to Executive Order 14300, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” the NRC is proposing sweeping changes to its rules governing the use of nuclear materials that are widely used in industry, medicine, and research. The changes would amend NRC regulations for the licensing of nuclear byproduct material, some source material, and some special nuclear material.
As published in the May 18 Federal Register, the NRC is seeking public comment on this proposed rule and draft interim guidance until July 2.
John D. Bess
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 171 | Number 1 | May 2012 | Pages 32-40
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE10-100
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A series of isothermal physics measurements was performed as part of an acceptance testing program for the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). A HEX-Z partially homogenized benchmark model of the FFTF fully loaded core configuration was developed for evaluation of these measurements. Evaluated measurements include the critical eigenvalue of the fully loaded core, two neutron spectra, 32 reactivity effects measurements, an isothermal temperature coefficient, and low-energy gamma and electron spectra. Dominant uncertainties in the critical configuration include the placement of radial shielding around the core, reactor core assembly pitch, composition of the stainless steel components, plutonium content in the fuel pellets, and boron content in the absorber pellets. Calculations of criticality, reactivity effects measurements, and the isothermal temperature coefficient using Monte Carlo N-Particle version 5.1.40 (MCNP5) and ENDF/B-VII.0 cross sections with the benchmark model are in good agreement with the benchmark experiment measurements. There is little agreement between calculated and measured spectral measurements. This benchmark evaluation has been added to the International Handbook of Evaluated Reactor Physics Benchmark Experiments.