| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8068462 | Annals of Nuclear Energy | 2015 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Current age-dating technologies for uranium metal provide inadequate information when the material is not chemically purified prior to sample formation. The microstructural damage occurring within the lattice of the metal could provide a time-dependent chronometer to enable sample age determination. As isotopes in the metal decay, the recoil particles travel throughout the lattice and dislocate surrounding atoms. Preliminary simulations indicate the feasibility of this method for highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and high assay low-enriched uranium (LEU) while suggesting lower feasibility for enrichments below commercial LEU. These analyses motivate future simulations and experiments to optimize sample preparation for inspection.
Keywords
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Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Authors
Amanda M. Loveless, T. Gregory Schaaff, Allen L. Garner,