Modeling Geochemical and Hydrogeological Processes in a Deep Geological Repository for Used Nuclear Fuel

The NWMO is designing an engineered barrier system to contain and isolate highly radioactive used nuclear fuel from people and the environment in Canada. Used nuclear fuel is hazardous to humans for millennia. The millennia design life of the engineered barrier system necessitates the use of computer models to predict their evolution. The results of the analysis support the NWMO in assessment of the adequacy of the design while still permitting improvements. Of importance is the performance of the corrosion barrier and its response to disturbances caused by the changing chemistry around and in the engineered barriers. The modeling undertaken will answer fundamental questions on the evolution of the corrosion barrier performance by assessing its sensitivity to corrosion agents and their transfer rates. In answering these questions, an optimized engineered barrier can be designed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Magdalena Krol

Student:

Partner:

Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Utilities

University:

York University

Program: