Monte Carlo Uncertainty Quantification in UF 6 Cylinder Neutron Emissions
In order to provide timely detection of the diversion of nuclear material, the international community needs to develop technology for safeguarding the entire fuel cycle. As such, there is significant interest in securing the front end of the fuel cycle through precise and accurate material accountancy prior to fuel irradiation. One particularly attractive solution for such problems is the development of unattended enrichment verification monitors for uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 ) transit cylinders. Systems such as the Unattended Cylinder Verification Station (UCVS) promise to provide independent nuclear material accountancy (i.e. measurements of relative enrichment, 235 U mass and total uranium mass) for all UF 6 cylinders entering and/or leaving any enrichment or fuel fabrication facilities.