Re-evaluation of the separation parameters based on the Berman-Olander long-bowl gas-centrifuge solution

Abstract

The hydrodynamic equations for a long-bowl gas-centrifuge can be simplified to obtain a one-dimensional differential equation for the variation of the non-dimensional axial velocity in the radial direction. This equation can be solved subject to the relevant boundary conditions and conservation of mass to provide the required velocity distribution. Similarly the differential equation for the conservation of the light component in a uranium enrichment long-bowl gas-centrifuge may be simplified based on various assumptions. The simplified differential equation can then be solved in conjunction with the velocity distribution to provide the required separation performance of the gas-centrifuge. In this study the calculation of the separation performance of a long-bowl gas-centrifuge is re-evaluated. The re-evaluation is based on a finite element approach that was previously developed for the solution of the hydrodynamics. The results obtained in this study are compared with published data and it is concluded that the finite element approach provides a consistent basis for the calculation of the separative performance of a long-bowl gas-centrifuge