A Numerical Study of Some Effects of Nuclear Fuel Waste Vault Construction and Closure on Evolution of Groundwater Flow Paths in the Geosphere
We have performed a series of three dimensional finite-element simulations on the sensitivity of the groundwater flow paths and travel times in a conceptual hydrogeological model with...
Three-Dimensional Plume Dynamics in the Vadose Zone: PORFLO-3 Modeling of a Defense Waste Leak at Hanford
In 1973, approximately 450 m3 of liquid containing radioactive and chemical wastes leaked from the 241-T-106 single-shell tank into the vadose zone...
Permeability and Dispersivity of Variable-Aperture Fracture Systems
A number of recent experiments have pointed out the need of including the effects of aperture variation within each fracture in predicting flow and transport properties of fractured media....
A Stratified Percolation Model for Saturated and Unsaturated Flow Through Natural Fractures
The geometry of the asperities of contact between the two surfaces of a fracture and of the adjacent void spaces determines fluid flow through a fracture and the mechanical deformation...
Study of Fractal Aperture Distribution and Flow in Fractures
This study examines the roughness profiles and aperture distributions of fractures and faults by using concepts from fractal geometry. Simple models of flow of fluid in rough fractures...
Dynamic Use of Geoscience Information to Develop Scientific Understanding for a Nuclear Waste Repository
The development and safety evaluation of a nuclear waste geologic repository require a proper scientific understanding of the site response. Such scientific understanding depends on information...
Infill Sampling Design for Geologic Site Characterization of Potential High-Level Radioactive Waste Repositories
Geologic site characterization is fundamental to the selection and design of a high-level radioactive waste repository. Yet, to date, the simple question 'how many samples...
Plans for Characterization of the Potential Geologic Repository Site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Site investigations in the vicinity of the potential repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, have occurred for many years. This is due to the proximity of the potential repository site...
Surface-Based Site Characterization Testing to Determine the Suitability of the Yucca Mountain Site for a Nuclear Waste Repository
The Yucca Mountain Site in Nevada is currently being evaluated by the U.S. Department of Energy to determine its suitability for the first U.S. high-level radioactive waste repository....
Assessment of Natural Resources in Repository Siting
One way to discourage people from intruding into a repository for high-level radioactive waste is to locate it at a place that is not valuable for mineral resources. Thus, the Nuclear...
Geochemical Modeling: An Integrated Approach to Nuclear Waste Disposal Issues
To meet nuclear waste repository licensing requirements, the response of repository components and of the enclosing host rocks and fluids to temperature fluctuations, fluid flow, radionuclide...
Thermal Stability of Zeolitic Tuff from Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Thermal models of the potential repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, suggest that rocks near the potential host rock will experience elevated temperatures for at least 1000 yr. In order...
Drill-Back Studies Examine Fractured, Heated Rock
To investigate the effects of heating on the mineralogical, geochemical, and mechanical properties of rock by high-level radioactive waste, cores are being examined from holes penetrating...
Simulation of Heat Transfer in the Unsaturated Zone
It is well known that heat transfer can play an important roll in fluid flow near the emplacement site of high-level nuclear waste (K. Pruess and J.S.W. Wang, 1987). Heat transfer effects...
Systems Engineering Applied to a Regulatory Program
The Nuclear Waste Policy Act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to complete the licensing hearing process for the High-Level Radioactive Waste Geologic Repository within three years,...
Analysis and Evaluation of Regulatory Uncertainties in 10 CFR 60 Subparts B and E
An attribute analysis scheme is presented for for prioritizing the resolution of regulatory uncertainties. Attributes are presented which assist in identifying the importance, need for...
Preparing a Safety Analysis Report Using the Building Block Approach
The credibility of the applicant in a licensing proceeding is severely impacted by the quality of the license application, particularly the Safety Analysis Report. An incomplete, unintelligible,...
Regulatory Considerations for Designing Surface Facilities for Yucca Mountain High-Level Waste Repository
This paper outlines U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) key regulations applicable to U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) design...
Implementation of NUREG 1318 Guidance Within the Yucca Mountain Project
The U. S. Department of Energy's Yucca Mountain Project is implementing a quality assurance program that fulfills the requirements of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission...
Transportation Legend, Fact and Hysteria or, How to Dismantle a Mature Industry
In the rush to 'correct' the perceived deficiencies in the regulations covering the transportation of radioactive materials, many people, from legislators to...
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