Development of a mechanistic model for gamma-radiolysis induced corrosion of copper in the DGR water environments

拟议项目涉及在深层地质处置库中安全处置用过核燃料的候选材料的腐蚀裕度。 目前设计的旧燃料容器（UFC）使用镀铜碳钢容器。 该项目将建立一个模型，说明在DGR不断变化的条件下，所用燃料的伽马辐射对铜腐蚀的影响。铜腐蚀作为潜在的DGR环境的功能将使用高度复杂的物理和化学技术进行深入研究。实验研究将伴随着广泛的计算，以开发一个机械腐蚀模型。该模型的目的是预测在连续的伽马辐射通量下长时间的腐蚀演变，同时考虑到铜腐蚀的复杂性，包括电化学和溶液反应，以及氧化物的形成和生长。 腐蚀模型将更准确地评估铜腐蚀裕量是否足以在DGR的辐射水平仍然很高期间保护UFC的完整性。 该项目将是加拿大高放核废料安全处置UFC性能评估模型的一个重要组成部分。 它还将提供训练有素的人员，以保证国家核废料处理计划的安全实施。

The proposed project addresses the corrosion allowance of a candidate material for safe disposal of used nuclear fuel in a deep geologic repository (DGR). The current design of the used fuel container (UFC) uses a copper-coated carbon steel vessel. The project will develop a model for the effect of gamma radiation from the used fuel on copper corrosion under evolving conditions in a DGR. Copper corrosion as a function of potential DGR environments will be investigated in depth using the highly sophisticated physical and chemical techniques. Experimental studies will be accompanied with extensive calculations to develop a mechanistic corrosion model. This model will aim to predict the evolution of corrosion over long time periods under a continuous flux of gamma-radiation taking into account the complexities of copper corrosion, including electrochemical and solution reactions, and oxide formation and growth. The corrosion model will provide a more accurate assessment of the adequacy of the Cu corrosion allowance to protect the integrity of the UFC during the period when the radiation level in the DGR is still significant. This project will be an important component of UFC performance assessment models for the safe disposal of Canada's high level nuclear waste. It will also provide trained personnel to guarantee the safe implementation of the nation's nuclear waste disposal plan.