Introduction to the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Research Program

AbstractDisposal deep within hard rock formations of the Canadian Shield is the subject of intensive research as a potential solution to the problem of nuclear fuel waste management. The various elements of the disposal concept are described, with emphasis on the man-made components of the disposal system, namely, the waste forms and durable containers, and on the use of clay-type materials around the waste package as a barrier to diffusional transport of radioactive material.The methodology of the safety analysis that will be employed to predict the performance of the overall disposal system is introduced, and used to illustrate the demands that are placed on the research programs to provide sub-models and data for the safety assessment.