Evaluating Proliferation Resistance and Security Needs of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies through a Fuzzy-Logic Barrier Model

A proposed model for evaluating proliferation resistance (PR) in the nuclear fuel cycle based upon the TOPS barrier framework is discussed, with particular regard to its utility as an open-source alternative to traditional probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methods. Particular attention is given to overcoming inherent limitations typical to attribute analysis methods, including limiting the model sub jectivity through model calibration and a consistent process of barrier weight selection. The levels of PR performance analysis in the proposed model are also discussed. Finally, an application of the model is explored by comparing the total cycle PR for two well-characterized spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing technologies: UREX and PUREX.