Alternative waste package designs and storage concepts for disposal of high level wastes at the Yucca Mountain Repository (Nevada)

This dissertation presents and analyzes alternative waste package (WP) designs and operating concept for the Yucca Mountain repository. A 2 nd generation WP design as well as an operating concept are introduced to reduce the risk of corrosion and to lower the repository costs. The concept permits major reductions in repository costs by increasing the WP thermal loading, by eliminating the need for titanium drip shields and by fabricating the outer container from corrosion resistant low alloy carbon steel. The 2 nd generation concept utilizes the benefits of hot dry storage to minimize the potential for corrosion of the WP by liquid electrolytes. On similar lines to the second generation WP design and operating concept, four different WP designs are introduced for the PWR and BWR WPs that support the perspective of a generally drier emplacement drift due to increase in heat load and resulting higher temperatures. The designs are modifications of current US Department of Energy WPs. Nuclear waste was configured in the Cartesian as well as the radial manner with and without increase in the overall size of the WPs. The alternative designs would help cutting down nuclear waste disposal cost without sacrificing the containment standards. WP internal thermal analysis was performed for all the configurations types to demonstrate safety of the designs in terms of maximum attainable temperatures. The thermal analysis addresses heat transfer issues inside the waste packages.