Year
1976
Abstract
Calorimetry provides a highly accurate and precise method for the assay of plutonium in nuclear fuels, but is often limited by the time required to make a single measurement. Several hours may be required for temperature equilibration depending on the physical size and heat capacity of the sample. A mathematical technique has been developed to predict the equilibrium value of a calorimeter output. When applied to an assay system, this predictive capability will reduce.sample analysis time and, consequently, increase sample throughput. Reductions in analysis times ranging from forty to sixty-six percent have been realized by applying this technique to three different size resistance bridge calorimeters.