Safety evaluation of simulated high-level waste glass products, (3)

Borosilicate glass products containing simulated high-level waste were dropped onto an iron plate to examine mechanical strength against impact breakup. The products are 5cm in diameter and 2.5 - 10cm in height. The drop distances are less than 9m. Surface areas of breakup pieces were measured to clarify relationship between impact energy (potential energy before the drop test) and increase in the surface area of the products. The value of 6.2 x 10-2m2/Kgm was obtained for the increase per unit impact energy. Amounts leached of Na and Cs are proportional to the surface area on the occasion of the small breakup, while they are not on the occasion of the large breakup. (author)