Recent modelling studies for analysing the partial-defect detection capability of theDigital Cherenkov Viewing Device

• The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is an instrument available to IAEA inspectors forverifying spent nuclear fuel in wet storage at nuclear facilities. The instrument records the Cherenkovlight that is emitted in the water surrounding the highly radioactive fuel. The light intensity is largelydependent on the amount of nuclear material in the fuel as well as its burnup and cooling time and can beused by the inspector as a measure for verifying the properties of the fuel.To aid in the analysis of the Cherenkov light intensity, a simulation toolkit has been developed, whichmodels the emission, transport and detection of Cherenkov light. This toolkit is particularly useful forinvestigating the response of the DCVD for fuel assemblies subject to different types of partial defects,where fuel rods might have been removed or substituted with non-irradiated material. Variousconfigurations of partial defects may be simulated in order to evaluate the detection capabilities of theDCVD.Here, we present how the light intensity recorded by the DCVD is affected by the fuel history and by thepartial defect scenario. We present a methodology for how the analysis and interpretation of recordedintensities may be performed to result in confidence-supported statements of different levels of partialdefect. Finally, we suggest topics for further studies to accomplish an automated inspection system based on this methodology.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Subatomär fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Subatomic Physics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Applied Nuclear Physics

Tillämpad kärnfysik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)