Max Schalz

RWTH Aachen University

Zoom link: https://mit.zoom.us/j/91217338038

Abstract

Nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) simulations are routinely used in civilian nuclear programmes to model, e.g., energy transition scenarios. So far, they have not been established in the non-proliferation and verification field despite their potential benefits.

In this talk, I present Bicyclus, a software aimed at simulating and analysing NFCs in a non-proliferation context. After briefly introducing the technical background and the different fissile material production paths, I focus on two application cases. In the first scenario, the NFC simulations are used to independently assess the fissile material production of Pakistan. In the second, so-called nuclear archaeology scenario, I show how the simulations can be combined with measurement data to reconstruct the past fissile material production of a nuclear programme.

Bio

Max Schalz is a PhD student in physics and a researcher at the Nuclear Verification and Disarmament research group at RWTH Aachen University. In his research, he develops simulation software to model fissile material stockpiles of nuclear weapon states. In particular, he combines these simulations with measurements of nuclear waste to reconstruct past fissile material production, and to verify declarations made by nuclear operators or states. In addition to his technical research, he frequently engages in policy work and public outreach activities.