A New Era of Nuclear Criticality Experiments: The First 10 Years of Godiva IV Operations at NCERC. (5th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goda, Joetta; Bravo, Caiser; Cutler, Theresa; Grove, Travis; Hayes, David; Hutchinson, Jesson; McKenzie, George; McSpaden, Alexander; Myers, William; Sanchez, Rene; Walker, Jessie
• Is Part Of: Nuclear science and engineering. Volume 195(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S55
• Page End: S79
• Publication Date: 2021-11-05
• Subjects: Criticality experiments -- critical assembly machine -- National Criticality Experiments Research Center -- benchmark experiments -- fast burst assembly; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; Nuclear energy; Nuclear engineering; Periodicals; 539.705
• DOI: 10.1080/00295639.2021.1947103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-5639

Abstract

Abstract: The work presented in this paper focuses on the first 10 years (2011–2020) of Godiva IV operations at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). Godiva IV is a fast burst critical assembly constructed of approximately 65 kg of highly enriched uranium fuel alloyed with 1.5% molybdenum for strength. Godiva is one of the last such critical assemblies in the United States and can be used for studies of super-prompt-critical behavior as well as irradiations and demonstrations. An overview of the startup of Godiva IV at NCERC is given followed by a summary of the experiments performed utilizing Godiva IV over the first 10 years of operation at NCERC.