Abstract:
The objective of this work was to assess the feasibility of using the content of 236U in an unknown uranium ore concentrate (UOC) to determine the origin. The first step characterized relevant uranium ore bodies to determine relationships between geochemical properties and measured 236U content. The next goal defined the production/loss mechanisms for 236U production and to construct a model for the nuclide production in a natural uranium ore body. The 236U measurement capabilities of AMS systems were evaluated specifically abundance sensitivities and potential bias. Finally different analysis procedures were investigated including Bayesian analysis to determine uranium deposit attributes from the 236U measurements.
Associated Publications:
- C. Keith, "Investigation of Trace U-236 Content Variation in World-Wide Geologic Uranium Deposits", Ph.D. Dissertation, Nuclear Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (2016).
- C.C. Keith W.S. Charlton, "Investigation of Trace U-236 Content Variation in Geologic Uranium Deposits", 55th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management, Atlanta, Georgia, 20-14 July 2014.