Two questions on Japan accident

[Mike McKinnon <mmckinno.ndep-lv@ndep.carson-city.nv.us>]

======== Original Message ========
Can a knowledgeable radsafer educate me a bit by clarifying two points
from the IAEA news release on the accident:

1. Is 18% normal for power reactor fuel enrichment?

2. Is 35 lbs @ 18% really likely to go critical?

Thanks,

Steve Cima
Opinions, comments and ignorance are mine alone.




************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html
======== Fwd by: Mike McKinnon ========
35 pounds x 454 g/pound = 1.59E4 grams of U

at 18% enrichment, 1.59E4 x 0.18 = 2860 grams of U-235

according to USNRC Reg Guide 10.3, "Guide for the Preparation of Application
for SNM Licenses of Less Than Critical Mass Quantities", the critical mass
for U-235 is 350 grams; therefore, there was obviously enough U-235 in the
vessel to go critical.

Mike McKinnon, CHP
mmckinno.ndep-lv@ndep.carson-city.nv.us
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html