6 research outputs found
Recommended from our members
Simulation of human factors for material safety
The D-1 (Statistical Sciences) and D-2 (Stockpile Complex Modeling and Analysis) groups frequently collaborate to analyze production capabilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The facilities in question run the gamut from traditional machining to the fabrication of Plutonium components. This paper documents our efforts to extend our modeling capabilities from traditional discrete event simulation modeling to include agent based models
Recommended from our members
Multidimensional spacial eigenmode analysis.
Several recent papers have examined higher mode eigenvalues and eigenfunctions fo r multiplying systems. The general application focus of these papers is related to determining the dominance ratio, which is of great interest to people analyzing loosely coupled fissile systems . For large systems, we derived some simple approximations to the dominance ratio, and we continue this analysis in this paper. In the previous papers, we were able to utilize semianalytical techriiques because we mainly examined one-dimensional Cartesian systems. In this paper we analyze the effectiveness of using reflective boundary conditions for multi-dimensional system s and expand past work by examining two- and three-dimensional eigenfunctions
Recommended from our members
Object-oriented process modeling for material-at-risk estimation.
Nuclear analytical chemistry/materials characterization operations at Los Alamos support many programs related to national security. These operations work with a wide range of material masses (microgram to tens of grams) and several forms (metal, oxide, and liquid). We have used detailed flowsheets for the chemistry and characterization functions to construct a process model of the facility operations. The model, constructed with the commercially available package ExtendTMt,r acks material amounts and forms through the process of sample receiving through data return. The model calculates equipment utilization, throughput, and turnaroundtime, as well as the material-at-risk and source term as a function of time for facility safety analyses. We see that the source-term is highly dependent on the material holding time, as expected; thus, proper material management policies are essential to operating a facility within regulatory guidelines regarding material-at-risk. In addition, we see that segregation of operations based on the material used can be beneficial to the overall operations
Recommended from our members
Visualization of a changing dose field.
To help visualize the results of dose modeling for nuclear materials processing opcrations, we have developed an integrated model that uses a simple dosc calculation tool to obtain estimates of the dose field in a complex geomctry and then post-process the data to produce a video of the now time-dependent data. We generate two-dimensional radiation fields within an existing physical cnvironment and then analyze them using three-dimensional visualization techniques. The radiation fields are generated for both neutrons and photons. Standard monoenergetic diffusion theory is used to estimate the neutron dosc fields. The photon dose is estimated using a point-kernel formalism, with photon shielding effects and buildup taken into account. The radiation field dynamics are analyzed by interleaving individual 3D graphic 'snapshots' into a smoothed, lime dependent, video-based display. In-the-room workers are 'seen' in the radiation fields via a graphical, 3D fly-through rendering of the room. Worker dose levels can reveal surprising dependencies on operational source placement, source types, worker alignment, shielding alignments, and indirect operations from external workers
Recommended from our members
Waste generation process modeling and analysis for fuel reprocessing technologies
Estimates of electric power generation requirements for the next century, even when taking the most conservative tack, indicate that the United States will have to increase its production capacity significantly. If the country determines that nuclear power will not be a significant component of this production capacity, the nuclear industry will have to die, as maintaining a small nuclear component will not be justifiable. However, if nuclear power is to be a significant component, it will probably require some form of reprocessing technology. The once-through fuel cycle is only feasible for a relatively small number of nuclear power plants. If we are maintaining several hundred reactors, the once-through fuel cycle is more expensive and ethically questionable
Recommended from our members
Genetic algorithm dose minimization for an operational layout.
In an effort to reduce the dose to operating technicians performing fixed-time procedures on encapsulated source material, a program has been developed to optimize the layout of workstations within a facility by use of a genetic algorithm. Taking into account the sources present at each station and the time required to complete each procedure, the program utilizes a point kernel dose calculation tool for dose estimates. The genetic algorithm driver employs the dose calculation code as a cost function to determine the optimal spatial arrangement of workstations to minimize the total worker dose