The use of fills, semi-independent of the specific fill material, can improve package performance. The first barrier to prevent releases from the spent nuclear fuel is the waste package itself. The longer the waste package remains intact, the lower the ultimate releases from the spent nuclear fuel. In a typical waste package over half of the interior space is empty space. There are coolant channels in the spent fuel and square fuel assemblies can not fully fill a round waste package. After the package is buried, it will begin to corrode and the walls will thin. Rock falls may cause early failure of the waste package. However, if the package is full, it is more difficult to crush a full package and fail the exterior wall. The behavior of a waste package over time is similar to a soda can. Empty cans are easy to crush. Full, sealed cans are difficult to crush because the fluid inside supports the can.
Fills Can Provide Internal Support that
Delays Waste Package Failure and Collapse
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DU Uses R&D
