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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.
George C. Wu, Lawrence Ruby
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 68 | Number 3 | December 1978 | Pages 349-351
Technical Note | doi.org/10.13182/NSE78-A27311
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Three-group diffusion theory has been applied to a computation of the 231Pa mass required to sustain a fast-neutron chain reaction. The method was tested by preliminary calculation of several 235U-238U systems and of a single 239Pu-240Pu system. The best agreement between predictions and measurements was found for high-enrichment 235U-238U systems. In the case of 231Pa, where many of the necessary data do not exist, use was made of the characteristics of 237Np as a substitute. The predicted critical radius for 231Pa is 22.67 ± 1.81 cm, and the corresponding critical mass is 750 ± 180 kg.
