Parametric analysis of release of radionuclides from a waste package in basalt

In this work the effects of several parameters on the predicted release of radionuclides from the waste package are investigated. Both analytical and numerical solutions were employed in this analysis. The following parameters and phenomena were investigated. The diffusion coefficient, the host rock porosity, the retardation factors in the host rock and in the packing material, solubility limited release, inventory limited release, and the effects of the adjacent tunnel. It is expected that the analyses presented in this work will enhance the understanding of certain important aspects related to the prediction of the release of radionuclides from the waste package. This work is preliminary in nature. Not all parameters that could impact the release of radionuclides have been investigated. However, the analysis presented is expected to illustrate the effects of the varying selected parameters on the release rates. The parameters used in this work are assumed values. The intent is to investigate the sensitivities rather than assess the actual performance of the waste package. 11 refs