(E') min = E E e /2E +E e

And that for E>> E e ,

(E') min = E e / 2 = 0.255 Me V.

[Sol]
a) E' = E E e /2(1-COSζ) +E e
At ζ=π E' = (E') min
E' = EE'/2(1-COS π) +E e = EE'/2E +E e
b) For E E e
2E + E e 2E
(E') min = E E e /2E = E e /2 = 0.255 Me V

55. What is the minimum energy of a Compton-scattered photon if its original energy is
(a) 0.1Me V,
(b) 1 Me V,
(c) 10 Me V ?

[Sol]
a) 0.1 Me V
(E')min= = (0.1ⅹ0.511)ⅹ[(2ⅹ0.1)+0.511] = 0.072 Me V
b) 1 Me V
(E')min=(1ⅹ0.511)ⅹ[(2ⅹ0.1)+0.511]= 0.204 Me V
c) 10 Me V
(E')min=(10ⅹ0.511)ⅹ[(2ⅹ0.1)+0.511]= 0.249 Me V

56. Calculate the mass attenuation coefficient of silica glass (SiO2, ρ = 2.21 g/cm3) for 3- Me V γ-rays.

[Sol]
M(SiO2) = 28.089+(2ⅹ15.9994) = 60.0848
(u/ρ)Si = 0.0367 cm2/g
(u/ρ)O= 0.0359 cm2/g , for 3 Me V- photon
u/ρ = ∑icoi(u/ ρ) = (28.086/60.0848)∙0.0367 +[ (2ⅹ15.9994)/60.0848]∙0.0359
= 0.0363cm2/g

57. derive Eq. (3.69)

[sol]

58. The mass attenuation coefficient of lead at 0.15MeV is 1.84cm2/g. At this energy, the principal mode of
interaction is by the photoelectric effect. What thickness of lead is required to reduce the intensity of a 0.15-
MeV γ-ray beam by a factor of 1000?

[sol] Table II.3

 ,

59. The density of air at standard temperature and pressure (0°C and 1atm) is g/cm3. Compute the
man free paths of photons in air under these conditions and compare with the corresponding mean free paths in
unit-density water at the following energies:
(a) 0.1 MeV

[sol] (1) Air

Table II.4

(2) Water
Table II.4

(b) 1 MeV

[sol] (1) Air

Table II.4

(2) Water
Table II.4

(c) 10 MeV
[sol] (1) Air
Table II.4

(2) Water
Table II.4

60. At 1 MeV, the Compton cross-section per electron is 0.2112 b, and the Compton energy absorption cross-
section per electron is 0.0929 b.
(a) What is the average energy of the recoiling electron in a Compton interaction at this energy?

[sol]

(b) Compute the Compton mass attenuation and mass absorption coefficients at 1 MeV for (i) aluminum, (ii)
water.
[sol] (1) Aluminum
Table II.3 M=26.9815

(2) Water
Table II.3 M=18.0153

61. A beam of 0.1-MeV γ-rays with an intensity of γ-rays/cm2-sec is incident on thin foils of (i)
aluminum, (ii) water. At this energy, the Compton cross-section per electron is 0.4929 b, and the Compton
energy absorption cross-section per electron is 0.0685 b. Calculate the energy extracted from the beam per unit
volume of the foils due to
(a) Compton scattering

[sol] (1) Aluminum

Table II.3 M=26.9815,

(2) Water
Table II.3 M=18.0153,

(b) the photoelectric effect

[sol] (1) Aluminum

Assume ,
,

=0.04703

(2) Water

=0.0024
62. The absorption of radiation is often measured in units called rads, where 1 rad is equal to the absorption of
100 ergs per gram. What intensity of 1MeV γ-rays incident on a thin slab of water is required to give an
absorption rate of 1 rad per second?

[sol] 1rad=100erg/g=
(Absorption rate)= =EI

63. Determine the range of 5-MeV α-particles in the following media:

(a) air at 15°C, 1atm;

[sol] Figure 3.23 5MeV

(b) aluminum;
[sol] Table II 3 M=26.9815

(c) lead;

[sol] Table II.3 M=207.19

(d) unit-density water;

[sol] Table II.3 M=18.0153

(e) air at 300°C, 10atm;

[sol] ① : Air at 15°C, 1atm, ② :Air at 300°C, 10atm

,
, ,
,

64. Determine the relative stopping powers of the media in the preceding problem.

[sol] (a) Air

(b) Aluminum

(c) Lead

(d) Unit-density water

 (e) Air at 300°C, 10atm

65. Compare the apparent mass attenuation coefficient of 2-MeV (maximum energy) β-rays with the mass
attenuation coefficient of 2-MeV γ-rays in aluminum.

[sol]

66. Compare the maximum ranges of 3-MeV α-rays and β-rays in air at standard thmperature and pressure.

[sol]

(At 20°C, 101.325kPa)

67. Near the surface of a flat fuel element in an operating reactor, fissions are occurring at the constant rate of S
fissions/cm3-sec. Given that the average range of the fission fragments is R, show that the rate at which such
fragments would escape per cm2/sec from the surface of the fuel if it were not clad is equal to SR/2.

[sol]

(The rate at which such fragments would escape per )

=
= SR fissions/ =① + ②

① ②
Chapter 4
Nuclear Reactors and
Nuclear Power
 235
1. If 57.5% of the fission neutrons escape from a bare sphere of U, what is the multiplication factor of the
sphere? In this system, the average value of η is 2.31.

[sol]

2. Measurements on an experimental thermal reactor show that, for every 100 neutrons emitted in fission, 10
escape while slowing down and 15 escape after having slowed down to thermal energies. No neutrons are
absorbed within the reactor while slowing down. Of those neutrons absorbed at thermal energies, 60% are
absorbed in fission material. (a) What is the multiplication factor of the reactor at the time these observations are
made? (b) Suppose the thermal leakage is reduced by one third. How would this change the value of k? [Note:
The values of η and ν for the reactor fuel are 2.07 and 2.42, respectively.]

[sol] (a)

(b) k =

3. (a) Show that the energy released in the nth generation of a fission chain reaction, initiated by one fission, is
given by
,

where k is the multiplication factor and ER is the recoverable energy per fission. (b) Show that the total energy
released up to and including the nth generation is given by

[sol] (a) One generation :

Two generation : ···
∴ nth generation :

(b) Total energy :

4. Show that the fraction, F , of the energy released from a supercritical chain reaction that originates in the final
m generations of the chain is given approximately by
,

provided the total number of generations is large.

[sol]

5. (a) Most of the energy from a nuclear explosion is released during the final moments of the detonation. Using
the result of the previous problem, compute the number of fission generations required to release 99% of the
total explosive yield. Use the nominal value . (b) If the mean time between generations is the order of
sec over what period of time is energy released during a nuclear explosion?
[sol] (a)
0.99= ←k=2
,
∴

(b) (Period of time)=

6. A burst of neutrons from a pulsed accelerator is introduced into a subcritical assembly consisting of
an array of natural uranium rods in water. The system has a multiplication factor of 0.968. Approximately 80%
of the incident neutrons are absorbed in uranium. (a) How many first-generation fissions do the neutrons
produce in the assembly? (b) What is the total fission energy in joules released in the assembly by the neutron
burst?

[sol] (a)

(b)
= 0.01917J

7. It is found that, in a certain thermal reactor, fueled with partially enriched uranium, 13% of the fission
neutrons are absorbed in resonances of 238U and 3% leak out of the reactor, both while these neutrons are
slowing down; 5% of the neutrons tat slow down in the reactor subsequently leak out; of those slow neutrons
that do not leak out, 82% are absorbed in fuel, 74% of these in 235U. (a) What is the multiplication factor of this
reactor? (b) What is its conversion ratio?

[sol]
(a)

(b)

8. A natural uranium-fueled converter operates at a power of 250MWt with a conversion ratio of 0.88. At what
rate is 239Pu being produced in this reactor in kg/year?

[sol] ,

←Table 3.4

73.59kg/year

9. Assuming a recoverable energy per fission of 300 Me V, calculate the fuel burnup and consumption rates in
g/MWd for
(a) thermal reactors fueled with 233U or 239Pu

[sol] (1) case of U-233

 Fission rate = 2.88 * 1021P fissions/day (replace 200 Me V to 300 Me V)

, 1+

Consumption rat : 1.1382(1.087)=1.1355 g/MWd

(2) case of Pu-239

Burn-up rate :
Consumption rate : 1.142(1+α)P g/day
1+α= , so consumption rate is 1.4593 g/day

(b) fast reactors fueled with 239Pu. [Note: In part (b), take the capture to fission ratio to be 0.065.]

[sol] Burn up rate :

Consumption rate :
Devide by unit power[MW]

10. Because of an error in design, a thermal reactor that was supposed to breed on the 232Th-233U cycle
unfortunately has a breeding ratio of only 0.96. If the reactor operates at a thermal power level of 500 megawatts,
how much 232Th does it convert in 1 year?

[sol] in 120page

Consumption rate :

C(breeding ratio)=0.96, in 1 yr

11. What value of the breeding gain is necessary for a fast breeder operating on the 238U-239Pu cycle to have
an exponential doubling time of 10 years if the specific power for this type of reactor is 0.6 megawatts per
kilogram of 239Pu?

[sol] Consumption rate per unit power [per MW]

12. Per GWe-year, a typical LMFBR produces 558 kg and consumes 789 kg of fissile plutonium in the core
while it produces 455 kg and consumes 34 kg of fissile plutonium in the blanket. What is the breeding ratio for
this reactor? [Note: As would be expected, there is a net consumption of plutonium in the core and a net
production in the blanket, with a positive output from the reactor as as whole. By adjusting the properties of the
blanket, it is easy to make breeders into net consumers of plutonium if dangerously large stockpiles of this
materials should ever accumulate in the world.]

[sol]

13. A certain fossile fueled generating station operates at a power of 1,000 MWe-at an overall efficiency of 38%
and an average capacity factor of 0.70.

(a) How many tons of 13,000 Btu per pound of coal does the plant consume in 1 year?

[sol]

(b) It an average coal-carrying railroad car carries 100 tons of coal, how many car loads much be delivered to
the plant on an average day?

[sol]

(c) If the coal contains 1.5% by weight sulfur and in the combustion process this all goes up the stack as SO2.
how much SO2 does the plant produce in 1 year?

[sol]

14. Had the plant described in Problem 4.13 been fueled with 6.5 million Btu per barrel bunker-C fuel oil
containing .37% sulfur,

(a) how many barrels and tons of oil would the plant consume in 1 year ?
[sol] 1 barrel=117.35 liter
Density of Bunker C oil = 0.96 g/ml
112.7 kg/barrel

(b) how much SO2 would the plant release in 1 year? [Note: 1 U.S. petroleum barrel=5.61 cubic feet=42 U.S
gallons; the density of bunker-C oil is approximately the same as water.]

[sol]

15. Rochester Gas and Electric’s Robert Emmett Ginna nuclear power plant operates at a net electric output of
470 megawatts. The overall efficiency of the plant is 32.3%. Appoximately 60% of the plant’s power comes
from fissions in 235U, the remainder from fissions in converted plutonium, mostly 239Pu. If the plant were
operated at full power for 1 year, how many kiomgrams of 235U and 239Pu would be

(a) fissioned?

[sol]
Burn up rate of each

2) Ph-239

(b) consumed?

[sol] 1) U-235

2)Ph-239

16. Consider two electrical generating stations-one a fossil fuel plant and the other nuclear-both producing the
same electrical power. The efficiency of the fossil fuel plant is (eff), whereas that of the nuclear plant is (eff) n.
(a) Show that the ratio of the heat rejected to the environment by the two plants is given by

[sol] QR : thermal energy output from the heat source.

QC : heat energy rejected to the environment

In the exercise, W = (eff)f × QRf = (eff)n × QRn

(b) Evaluate Qcn/Qcf for the case where (eff)f = 38% and (eff)n = 33%

[sol]

[Link] MSBR power plant produces 1,000 MWe at an overall efficiency of 40%. The breeding ratio for the
reactor is 1.06, and the specific power is 2.5 MWt per kilogram of 233U.
(a) Calculate the linear and exponential doubling times for this reactor.

[sol]

(b) What is the net production rate of 233U in kg/year?

[sol]

18. A 3,000MW reactor perates for 1 year. How much does the mass of the fuel change during this time as the
result of the energy release?
[sol] The fissioning of 1.05g of 235U yields 1MWd.

19. Referring to the nominal LWR cycle described in Fig. 4.37, The plant operates at an overall efficiency of
33.4%,compute
(a)The specific burnup of the fuel in MWd/t

[sol]

(b) The fractional burnup of the fuel

[sol]

(c) The enrichment of the fresh fuel

[sol]

(d) The enrichment (235U) of the spent fuel

[sol]

(e) The fraction of the power originating in fissions in 235U and plutonium, respectively

[sol] fissioning of 1.05g of 235U yields 1MWd.

fissioning of 1.05g of 239Pu yields 1MWd.

(f) The 30-year requirement for uranium for this system.

[sol] 150,047kg of u3O8 is converted to UF6 in year.

22. Using the data in Fig. 4.41[Note : The reactor operates at an efficiency of 30%.], compute
(a) The enrichment of the fresh fuel

[sol]

(b) The residual enrichment of the spent fuel

[sol] mass of 235U =

A mount of 60% of neutrons are absorbed in fission material.
(c) The fraction of power originating in fissions in 235U

[sol]
To yield 2500MWe-yr,
Fraction=

(d) The burnup of the fuel.

[sol]

23. Reliable nuclear weapons cannot be made using plutonium containing much more than 7 w/o 240Pu because
this isotope has a high spontaneous fission rate that tends to pre-initiate - that is, fizzle – the device. Using Fig.
4.37 and Fig. 4.39 through4.40, determine whether any of these commercial power systems produce weapons-
grade plutonium (<7 w/o 240Pu). Assume that all non-fissioning plutonium is 240Pu (Some of it is actually 242Pu).

[sol]

24. Compute and plot annual and cumulative uranium requirements through the year 2015 for the projected
nuclear electric capacities given in Table 4.8 for each of following assumptions: (a) all reactors are PWRs with
no recycling; (b) all reactors are PWRs, and all operate with recycling after 2000; (c) all reactors are PWRs until
2000 after which 20% of new reactors are LMFBRs. [note: for simplicity, ignore the extra fuel required for
startup; that is, take the annual uranium needs to be the values in Table 4.7 divided by 30.]
.

[sol] According to Table 4.7 Natural U requirements for 1 yr in LWR

Once through: 4260/30= 142t
Recycling: 2665/30=90t
For once through cycle,
a)
Year Breeding ratio Breeding ratio(cumulation)
1985 1.42 1.42
1990 2.23 3.65
1995 2.84 6.49
2000 3.62 10.11
2005 3.91 14.02
2010 4.19 18.21
2015 4.33 22.54

b)
Year Breeding ratio Breeding ratio(cumulation)
1985 1.42 1.42
1990 2.23 3.65
1995 2.84 6.49
2000 3.62 10.11
2005 2.44 12.55
2010 2.62 15.17
2015 2.71 17.88

c) In LMFBR, 36/30=1.2t/yr for U-Pu recycling

Year Breeding ratio Breeding ratio(cumulation)
1985 0.89 0.89
1990 1.39 2.28
1995 1.78 4.06
2000 2.27 6.33
 2005 1.96 8.29
2010 2.10 10.39
2015 2.17 12.56

25. A nuclear fuel-fabricating company needs 10,000 kg of 3 w/o uranium and furnished natural uranium (as
UF6) as feed. Assuming a tails assay of 0.2 w/o, (a) how much feed is required? (b) How much more will the
enrichment cost?

[sol]
a)

XF= 0.00711, XT= 0.002, XP= 0.03

When the 10,000 kg of U is M p, mass of UO2 is
10,000ⅹ[(238+2ⅹ16)/238]=11345 kg

MF = MT +MP
XFMF=XTMT+XPMP
→ MF = (XP-XT )/ (XF-XT ) ⅹ MP =54795 kg
=(0.03-0.002)/(0.0071-0.002) ⅹ10000 = 54795 kg
In UF6, 54795ⅹ[(238+19ⅹ6)/238]=81041 kg
b)
γ(0.03)=(1-2∙0.03)ln[(1-0.03)/0.03]=3.2675
γ(0.00711)= (1-2∙0.00711)ln[(1-0.00711)/0.00711]=4.869
γ(0.002)= (1-2∙0.002)ln[(1-0.002)/0.002]=6.188

SWU= MP ∙γ(0.03)+ MT ∙γ(0.002)- MF ∙γ(0.00711)

= 10000∙3.2675+(54795-10000)∙6.188 - 54795∙4.869
= 43070 kg

$130.75/SWU
Enrichment cost= 130.75∙43070=$5,631,400

26. Suppose that the tails enrichment in the preceding problem were decreased to 0.15 w/o. (a) How much
uranium feed would this save? (b) How much more would the enriched fuel cost? (c) What is the cost per kg of
feed saved?

[sol]
a)
M'F = (XP-X'T )/ (XF-X'T ) ⅹ MP
=(0.03-0.015)/(0.0071-0.015) ⅹ10000 = 50802 kg
MF - M'F=54795-50802= 3993kg
In UF6, 3993 ∙ [(238+19ⅹ6)/238]= 5906kg of UF6 ore saved

b)
γ(0.03)=(1-2∙0.03)ln[(1-0.03)/0.03]=3.2675
γ(0.00711)= (1-2∙0.00711)ln[(1-0.00711)/0.00711]=4.869
γ(0.015)= (1-2∙0.015)ln[(1-0.015)/0.015]=6.4813

SWU= MP ∙γ(0.03)+ MT ∙γ(0.015)+ MF ∙γ(0.00711)

= 10000∙3.2675+(54795-10000)∙6.4813 - 54795∙4.869
= 49770kg
Enrichment cost = 130.75∙49770=$6,507,428
$6,507,428-$5,631,400=$876,028
c) 876,028/3,993=$219.39

27. If a customer supplies DOE as part of his feed-uranium that is partially enriched above (or depleted below)
the natural uranium level-the total amount of natural uranium feed that he must furnish to obtain a given
amount of product is reduced (or increased) by an amount equal to the natural uranium feed needed to provide
the partially enriched (or depleted) feed. The customer receives a credit (or debit) for the separative work
represented by his enriched (or depleted) feed.

Suppose that the fuel-fabricating company in problem 4.25 offers to supply as part of its feed 10,000 kg of 1%
assay uranium. How much natural uranium feed is required in addition, and how much will the total job cost?

[sol]

a)
The amount of MP generated from the 10000of 1 w/o U
MP1 = (XF-XT )/ (XPF-XT ) ⅹ MF
=(0.01-0.002)/(0.0071-0.002) ⅹ10000 = 2857 kg
The amount of 3 w/o U produced by the Natural U
10000-2857=7143kg

Natural U needed to make the 7143kg of 3 w/o U

M=(XP-XT )/ (XF-XT ) ⅹ MP2
=(0.03-0.002 )/ (0.00711-0.002 ) ⅹ 7143 =39139.7kg
b)
γ(0.01)=4.503
γ(0.00711)= 4.869
γ(0.002)=6.188
γ(0.03)= 3.267

i) For 1 w/o U
SWU= MP ∙γ(XP)+ MT ∙γ(XT) - MF ∙γ(XF)
= MP[γ(XP)-γ(XT)] - MF[γ(XF)- γ(XT)]
=2857(3.267-6.188)-10000(4.503-6.188)
=85047 kg
ii) For natural U
SWU= 7143(3.267-6.188)-39139.7(4.869-6.188)
= 30760.6kg

8504.7+30760.6=39265.3kg

Enrichment cost=$130.75ⅹ39265.3=$1,876,881

28. Repeat problem 4.27 for the case in which the customer furnishes 10,000 kg of 6% feed.

[sol]
a)
The amount of MP generated from the 10000 of 0.6 w/o U
MP1 = (XF-XT )/ (XPF-XT ) ⅹ MF
=(0.006-0.002)/(0.03-0.002) ⅹ10000 = 1429 kg
The amount of 3 w/o U Produced by the Natural U
10000-1249=8571kg

Natural U needed to make the 7143kg of 3 w/o U

M=(XP-XT )/ (XF-XT ) ⅹ MP2
=(0.03-0.002 )/ (0.00711-0.002 ) ⅹ 8571 =46967kg

b)
γ(0.006)=5.049
γ(0.00711)= 4.869
γ(0.002)=6.188
γ(0.03)= 3.267

i) For 1 w/o U
SWU= MP ∙γ(XP)+ MT ∙ γ(XT) - MF ∙γ(XF)
= MP[γ(XP)-γ(XT)] - MF[γ(XF)- γ(XT)]
=1429(3.267-6.188)-10000(5.049-6.188)
=7217 kg
ii) For natural U
SWU= 8571(3.267-6.188)-46967(4.869-6.188)
= 36912

7217+369124=44129kg

Enrichment cost=$130.75ⅹ44129=$5,769,866

29. Referring to problem 4.28, suppose exactly 33,000 kg of 3.2 w/o UO2 is required per reload. (a) How much
UF6 must be given to the enrichment plant, assuming 1% loss in fabrication? (b) How much yellow cake must
be used in the conversion to UF6 assuming 0.5% loss in conversion?

[sol]
a)
Mass of U in UO2
= 238/(238+16∙2) ∙33000=29088.9kg

Mass of U in UF6 after enrichment, M p

Mp=1.00/0.99∙29088.9=29382.7kg

MF = (XP-XT )/ (XF-XT ) ⅹ MP =54795 kg

=(0.032-0.002)/(0.0071-0.002) ⅹ29382.7kg = 172500kg

Mass of UF6 given to enrichment plant

=(238+19∙6)/238 ⅹ172500=255126kg

b)
U3O8 → Conversion to UF6 (0.5% loss of total U) → UF6

Mass of U in U3O8
=(1.00/0.995) ⅹ172500=173367kg

Mass of U3O8M
=[(3 ∙238+16 ∙8)/(3 ∙238)] ∙173367=204447kg

30. It is proposed to produce 25 kg of 90 w/o for a nuclear weapon by enriching 20 w/o fuel from a research
reactor. (a) How much fresh reactor fuel would be required? (b) Compute the total SWU required. (c) Compare
the SWU/kg required to produce 20 w/o fuel starting from natural uranium with the SWU/kg for 90 w/o material
beginning at 20 w/o. [Note: Assume the tails enrichment to be 0.2 w/o.]

[sol] (a) MF = ( )MP <Eq. 4.33>

xP = 0.9, xT = 0.002, xF = 0.2, MP = 25 kg
MF = ( ) 25 kg = 113.384 kg
(b) SWU = MP[V(xP) – V(xT)] – MF[V(xF) – V(xT)] <Eq. 4.37>
V(x) = (1 – 2x) <Eq. 4.35>
V(xP) = V(0.9) = (1 – 1.8) = 1.758
V(xT) = V(0.002) = (1 – 0.004) = 6.188
V(xF) = V(0.2) = (1 – 0.4) = 0.832
SWU = 25 kg (1.758 - 6.188) – 113.384 kg (0.832 - 6.188)
= 496.535 kg
(c) xP = 0.2, xT = 0.002, xF = 0.00711, MP = 113.384 kg
MF = ( ) 113.384 kg = 4393.35 kg
V(xF) = V(0.00711) = (1 – 0.01422) = 4.869
SWU = 113.384 kg (0.832 - 6.188) – 4393.35 kg (4.869 - 6.188)
= 5187.54 kg

31. (a) Derive an explicit expression for the mass of tails produced in a specified enrichment requiring a given
amount of separative work. (b) Show that in enriching natural uranium to 3 w/o, approximately 1 kg of 0.2 w/o
tails are produced per SWU expended. (c) In 1981, the total enrichment capacity in operation in the world was
28.4 106 SWU/yr. At what rate was depleted uranium being produced, assuming all the capacity was used to
produce 3 w/o fuel?

[sol] (a) MF = ( )MT

MP = MF – MT
SWU = MPV(xP) + MTV(xT) – MFV(xF) <Eq. 4.36>
= (MF – MT)V(xP) + MTV(xT) – MFV(xF)
= MT[V(xT) – V(xP)] - MF[V(xF) – V(xP)]
= MT[V(xT) – V(xP)] - ( )MT[V(xF) – V(xP)]
MT =
– –
(b) xF = 0.00711, xP = 0.03, xT = 0.002
V(0.03) = 3.268
V(0.002) = 6.188
V(0.00711) = 4.869
=
– –

=
= 1.04 ≒ 1
Approximately 1 kg of 0.2% tails are produced per SWU
(c) Depleted uranium production rate is 28.4 106 kg/yr, because approximately 1 kg of 0.2% tails
are produced per SWU.

32. In 1980, the United States had approximately 300,000 tons of depleted uranium in storage at its gaseous
diffusion plants. If the entire 1980 electrical capacity of 600 GWe were furnished by LMFBRs fueled with this
uranium, how long would the 1980 depleted uranium stock (which is continuing to grow; see preceding problem)
last? Use LMFBR data from Fig. 4.40.
[sol] MF = 2,513 <Mass flows in kg’s per 0.75 GWe-yr>
= 2,010,400 kg
xF = 0.00711, xP = 0.03, xT = 0.002
MP = ( )MF = ( ) 2,010,400 kg = 366,898 kg
MT = MF – MP = 2,010,400 kg - 366,898 kg = 1,643,502 kg
Lasting time = = 182.537 years

33. Show that approximately 116,000 SWU of separative work is required annually to maintain the nominal
1,000 MWe LWR described in Fig. 4.37.

[sol] SWU = MP[V(xP) – V(xT)] – MF[V(xF) – V(xT)]

MP = 27,249 kg, MF = 149,297 kg
xP = 0.03, xT = 0.002, xF = 0.00711
V(0.03) = (1 – 0.06) = 3.268
V(0.002) = 6.188
V(0.00711) = 4.869
SWU = 27,249 kg (3.268 - 6.188) – 149,297 kg (4.869 - 6.188)
= 117356 kg ≒ 116,000 kg

34. The enrichment consortium EURODIF operates gaseous diffusion plants in France with a capacity of 10.8
million SWU/year. Using the result of the preceding problem, how much LWR capacity can this company
service?

[sol] 1,000 MWe : 116,000 SWU/yr = x : 10,800,000 SWU/yr

x= = 93103.4 MWe

235
35. Compare and plot the relative cost in SWU of enriched uranium, per unit of contained U, as a function of
enrichment to 93 w/o. Compare with Fig. 4.45.

[sol] xT = 0.002, xF = 0.00711

SWU = MP[V(xP) – V(xT)] – MF[V(xF) – V(xT)]
= [V(xP) – V(xT)] - [V(xF) – V(xT)]
= [V(xP) – V(0.002)] - ( )[V(0.00711) – V(0.002)]
= (1 – 2xP) - 6.188 - (4.869 – 6.188)
= (1 – 2xP) + - 6.188
If xP = 0.93
(xP = 0.93) = (1 – 2 0.93) + - 6.188
= 235.83
36. Based on the projections of future installed nuclear electric generating capacity given in Table 4.8, how large
an industry (dollars per year) can isotope enrichment be expected to be in 2010 based on current U.S. SWU
prices if most of the capacity is in LWRs?

[sol]

37. The principle of enrichment by gaseous diffusion can be seen in the following way. Consider a chamber
(diffuser) split into two volumes, A and B, by a porous barrier with openings having a total area S as shown in
Fig. 4.48. Volume A contains two isotopic species of mass and at atom densities and ,
respectively. Volume B is at low pressure and is pumped out at the rate of F m3/sec. According to kinetic theory,
the number of atoms or molecules in a gas striking the wall of a container per /sec is

where N is the atom density and is the average speed given by

where M is the mass of the atom and T is the absolute temperature. (a) Show that in equilibrium the atom
concentration in B is

where and refer to the two isotopic species. (b) Show that the ratio of equilibrium concentrations in B is
given by

,
[sol]
a)
J=
Number pumped out =
Number of atoms stibing the wall per second JS =( + )S

=>
b)
 ,

38. The quantity

in the preceding problem is called the ideal separation factor .Compute for a gas consisting of molecules
of and . (The small value of in this case means that a great many stages must be used to
enrich uranium to useful levels.)

[sol]

39. If, using LIS, it is possible to enrich diffusion plant tails from 0.2 w/o to 3 w/o with residual tails of 0.08w/o,
verify that the utilization of natural uranium for 3w/o fuel would be increased by 18%.

[sol]

i) = = =0.1825

Mass of in = 0.00711
Mass of in = 0.03 0.1325 =5.475

ii)
= (1-0.1825) =0.033596
= 0.2161

Mass of in = 0.03 0.2161 =6.4829

Utilization = =91%

40. To how much energy in e V does the isotopic shift of 0.1 shown in Fig. 4.52 correspond?

[sol]

2.46632731-2.466483669=0.000049062