Thermal Analysis of the 9977 Package Used for Nuclear Material Storage

Abstract

The 9977 is a US Department of Energy (DOE) shipping package used to transport plutonium bearing materials. The package utilizes a single 6 inch diameter containment vessel and a foam overpack to protect against fire and impact events. A storage facility fire, hotter and longer than the regulatory transportation fire, is evaluated to ensure radioactive material containment is maintained. A sensitivity analysis of foam degradation is also considered to conservatively simulate potential aging effects of the foam during storage. A minimum foam thickness needed to maintain containment during the hypothetical facility fire is determine.