Year
1978
Abstract
To fully use the system of closure equa- tions generated to describe and control a high- throughput mixed-oxide (4% Pu02 in U02) process, a procedure was developed to formally integrate the effect of both short-term and long-term closure equations into an overall systems criterion and performance. The objective is to maximize the detection sensitivity within a given detection time period. In this assessment of the value of using multiple closure equations, the following situa- tions were accounted for: 1, The combination of independent nonover- lapping closure equations to obtain an overall performance criterion; 2, Possible overlap between several closure equations; 3, Possible correlated variables between different closure equations. Shortages in traditional energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, have placed greater empahsis on alternative fuel sources. With an already developed technological base and cost history, nuclear power is an attractive option. However, the public's attitude toward recent terrorism has generated strong demands for improved safeguards measures to deter, detect, and protecte against diversion of special nuclear material (SNM). To encourage improved safeguards accountability, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been considering the use of performance oriented regulations to supplement those currently used. The present study, sponsored by NRG/Office of Standards