The development of a safety assessment model for spent nuclear fuel with special emphasis on fuel corrosion/dissolution processes

The project will involve a partnership between the University of Western Ontario, where Yannick is enrolled in the M.E.Sc chemical engineering program, and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). The NWMO is the organization responsible for developing and implementing a plan for the disposal of nuclear waste in Canada. In 2010, the NWMO will begin a major safety assessment of a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel, referred to as the Fourth Case Study (FCS). While at the NWMO, Yannick will participate in tasks related to the FCS including the development and verification of computer models for radionuclide transport through the repository environment. At UWO, Yannick will conduct electrochemical experiments and modeling work examining the effect of corrosion products on the behaviour of spent nuclear fuel. By participating in the project, Yannick will widen his understanding of the waste management safety assessment process and develop his computational modeling skills. The NWMO will benefit from the partnership by addressing specific technical topics of interest to them and contribute to their goal of developing effective working relationships with Canadian universities.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. David Shoesmith

Student:

Yannick Beauregard

Partner:

Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

University:

Western University

Program: