NUCLEAR-DEBRIS FORMATION

2:

Conclusions
Under certain conditions of nuclear-debris formation, the thermo.
dynamic model is realistic, but under others a kinetic approach i:
necessary to treat the formation processes in a reasonable manner
The situation is too complex to say at this time what the gain will b
in terms of accuracy in predicting fractionation effects. The kineti:
approach involves the determination of mass-transfer coefficients fo:

fission-product deposition on various substrate materials, and thes:
in turn depend upon both equilibrium (distribution coefficients and heat:
of adsorption) and kinetic parameters (interdiffusion coefficients
lingering times) and the species of the fission products which exis
under the formation conditions. However, a completely fundamenta

approach for each nuclide would place exhorbitant requirements 01
both input data and computer time. The semiempirical approach offer:
a reasonable compromise among the demands of economy, realism
and fundamental understanding.

Despite recent advances’?! questions of particle-size and type

distribution

and of agglomeration effects continue to be pressing

PREDICTION OF RADIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The capability of predicting radiological properties constitutes <
module of our prediction system worthy of individual attention. Although the primary purpose of this module is the prediction of radiological properties from fractionated debris, it is presently being usec
to harvest an important by-product: the radiological properties of unfractionated debris. This by-product is important primarily because it
can be compared with laboratory and large-scale measurements of un-

fractionated debris carried out under carefully controlled conditions
and presently under accumulation. This comparison, particularly in the
eases of gamma-ray spectra and
fidence in the potential accuracy of
portance as a basis of comparison
of fractionation effects.
The heart of this module is a

dose rate, will establish our consuch calculations. It is also of imby which to evaluate the magnitude
computer program for calculating

the abundances of fission-product nuclides. This program solves the
Bateman equation for each nuclide at the time point requested, yielding an output list (on magnetic tape) of all nuclides, and the number of

atoms of each present at the time point. For fission-product predictions fission is assumed to take place instantaneously. An optional
calculation, used for reactor-contamination predictions, assumesfission to occur at a finite number of intervals, each of constant rate.

Select target paragraph3