Optimization of material flow in the nuclear fuel cycle using a cyclic multi-stage production-to-inventory model

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dc.contributor.authorDePorter, Elden Leoen
dc.contributor.committeecochairNachlas, Joel A.en
dc.contributor.committeecochairKurstedt, Harold A. Jr.en
dc.contributor.committeememberSchmidt, J. Williamen
dc.contributor.committeememberDavis, Robert P.en
dc.contributor.departmentIndustrial Engineering and Operations Researchen
dc.date.accessioned2014-03-14T21:14:59Zen
dc.date.adate2012-06-09en
dc.date.available2014-03-14T21:14:59Zen
dc.date.issued1977-08-15en
dc.date.rdate2012-06-09en
dc.date.sdate2012-06-09en
dc.description.abstractThe nuclear fuel cycle is modelled as a cyclic, multi-stage production-to-inventory system. The objective is to meet a known deterministic demand for energy while minimizing acquisition, production, and inventory holding costs for all stages of the fuel cycle. The model allows for cyclic flow (feedback) of materials, material flow conversion factors at each stage, production lag times at each stage, and for escalating costs of uranium ore. It does not allow shortages to occur in inventories. The model is optimized by the application of the calculus of variations and specifically through recently developed theorems on the solution of functionals constrained by inequalities. The solution is a set of optimal cumulative production trajectories which define the stagewise production rates. Analysis of these production rates reveals the optimal nuclear fuel cycle costs and that inventories (stockpiles) occur in uranium fields, enriched uranium hexafluoride, and fabricated fuel assemblies. An analysis of the sensitivity of the model to variation in three important parameters is performed.en
dc.description.degreePh. D.en
dc.format.extentviii, 195 leavesen
dc.format.mediumBTDen
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.otheretd-06092012-141041en
dc.identifier.sourceurlhttp://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-06092012-141041/en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/38594en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.relation.haspartLD5655.V856_1977.D46.pdfen
dc.relation.isformatofOCLC# 21268497en
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subject.lccLD5655.V856 1977.D46en
dc.subject.lcshNuclear energy -- Production controlen
dc.subject.lcshNuclear fuels -- Inventory controlen
dc.titleOptimization of material flow in the nuclear fuel cycle using a cyclic multi-stage production-to-inventory modelen
dc.typeDissertationen
dc.type.dcmitypeTexten
thesis.degree.disciplineIndustrial Engineering and Operations Researchen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.leveldoctoralen
thesis.degree.namePh. D.en
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