Fluid flow from nuclear chimneys

Abstract

One promising application of engineering uses for nuclear explosives is the creation of large underground rubble chimneys into which liquid wastes can be injected. To assess the feasibility of this application, a predictive capability has been developed by matching laboratory model studies with mathematical analogs. The effects of varying permeability, porosity, input flow rates, and chimney dimensions were examined. Variation between laboratory and mathematical model results was less than 10%. This paper describes the laboratory model studies of two hydrologic environments, the development of the mathematical models, and the numerical solutions obtained with the mathematical models. Also summarized are two examples of potential applications of nuclear explosives to the field of waste disposal. The results indicate that, for many selected hydrologic conditions, it is feasible to use nuclear rubble chimneys in permeable but unsaturated formations for the disposal of liquid wastes. (Key words: Nuclear explosives; waste disposal; groundwater.)