Abstract
ABSTRACTDepleted uranium dioxide (DUO2) waste packages (WPs) for disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) are being investigated to (1) reduce radionuclide releases from WPs, (2) decrease the potential for repository nuclear criticality events, (3) provide radiation shielding, and (4) provide a means to beneficially use excess depleted uranium (DU). The DUO2 is incorporated into the WP as (1) a particulate fill for void spaces within the package and (2) a component of a DUO2-steel cermet (DUO2 embedded in steel) that replaces the steel components of the WP. Depending upon the design, there is 3 to 8 times as much DUO2 as SNF UO2 in the WP. Most radionuclides in the SNF cannot be released until the UO2 crystal structure is destroyed. The DUO2 surrounding the SNF slows the degradation of the SNF UO2 in the interior. This behavior is similar to the mechanisms that slow the degradation of natural uranium ore bodies containing UO2. The results of initial investigations and the expected thermodynamic WP behavior are described.
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