ASTM C859-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology standard contains terms, definitions, descriptions of terms, nomenclature, and explanations of acronyms and symbols specifically associated with standards under the jurisdiction of Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle. The content of this terminology standard may also be applicable to documents not under the jurisdiction of Committee C26, in which case this terminology standard may be referenced in those documents.  
1.2 While subcommittees within Committee C26 are free to only provide terms and definitions within individual standards, each subcommittee may request the addition of utilized terms and definitions to this terminology standard if it believes that such serves the broader interest of Committee C26 and the nuclear fuel cycle profession. Therefore, terms and definitions proposed for inclusion in Terminology C859 need not be used in more than one committee standard before being considered.  
1.3 In general, technical terms that are defined in common dictionaries would not also be defined in this terminology standard unless there is a need to emphasize a specific definition in making appropriate use of a Committee C26 standard.  
1.4 Subcommittee C26.10 (Nondestructive Assay) also has a terminology standard applicable to its standards: Terminology C1673.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Feb-2023
• ICS: 01.040.27 - Energy and heat transfer engineering (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.01 - Editorial and Terminology

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM C859-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1156-18 - Standard Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measurement Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1673-10a(2018) - Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1108-12 - Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM C1156-03(2011) - Standard Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measurement Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C1673-10a - Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1673-10ae1 - Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1673-10 - Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1673-07 - Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM C1673-07e1 - Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM C1108-99(2006) - Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2006
• Refers: ASTM C1156-03 - Standard Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measurement Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Refers: ASTM C1108-99 - Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-1999
• Referred By: ASTM C1295-24 - Standard Test Method for Gamma Energy Emission from Fission and Decay Products in Uranium Hexafluoride and Uranyl Nitrate Solution
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1168-23 - Standard Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Plutonium Materials for Analysis
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C859 − 23
Standard Terminology Relating to
1
Nuclear Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C859; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This terminology standard contains terms, definitions, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
descriptions of terms, nomenclature, and explanations of acro- C1108 Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential
nyms and symbols specifically associated with standards under Coulometry
the jurisdiction of Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle. The C1156 Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measure-
content of this terminology standard may also be applicable to ment Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Mate-
documents not under the jurisdiction of Committee C26, in rials
which case this terminology standard may be referenced in C1673 Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Meth-
those documents. ods
1.2 While subcommittees within Committee C26 are free to
3. Terminology
only provide terms and definitions within individual standards,
3.1 Definitions:
each subcommittee may request the addition of utilized terms
2 -2
absorbed dose, D, [L T ], n—absorbed dose is the mean
and definitions to this terminology standard if it believes that
energy imparted by ionizing radiation to a unit mass of
such serves the broader interest of Committee C26 and the
specified material.
nuclear fuel cycle profession. Therefore, terms and definitions
DISCUSSION—The SI unit for absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), defined
proposed for inclusion in Terminology C859 need not be used
as 1 J/kg.
in more than one committee standard before being considered.
abundance sensitivity, n—in methods of chemical analysis,
1.3 In general, technical terms that are defined in common
the ratio of the ion beam intensity of the major isotope, M,
dictionaries would not also be defined in this terminology
to the background current at the adjacent mass positions.
standard unless there is a need to emphasize a specific
definition in making appropriate use of a Committee C26 ion current at mass M
Abundance sensitivity 5 (1)
ion current at M61
standard.
1.4 Subcommittee C26.10 (Nondestructive Assay) also has
accelerated test, n—for the prediction of long term behavior of
a terminology standard applicable to its standards: Terminol-
materials, a test that results in an increase either in the rate
ogy C1673.
of an alteration mode or in the extent of reaction progress,
when compared with expected service conditions.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
DISCUSSION—Changes in the expected alteration mechanism (s)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
caused by the accelerated test conditions, if any, must be accounted for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
in the use of the accelerated test data.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
accuracy, n—the closeness of agreement between a measure-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. ment result and an accepted reference. (E170)
–1
activity, A, [T ], n—the measure of the rate of spontaneous
nuclear transformations of a radioactive material. The SI unit
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.01 on Editorial and
2
Terminology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C859 – 22A. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C0859-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C859 − 23
for activity is the becquerel (Bq), defined as one transfor- annealing, n—in glass leach tests, a controlled cooling process
mation per second. The original unit for activity was the for glass designed to reduce thermal residual stress to an
10
curie (Ci), defined as 3.7 × 10 transformations per second. acceptable level, and, in some cases, modify structure.
artificial aging, n—any short time treatment that is designed to
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C859 − 22a C859 − 23
Standard Terminology Relating to
1
Nuclear Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C859; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This terminology standard contains terms, definitions, descriptions of terms, nomenclature, and explanations of acronyms and
symbols specifically associated with standards under the jurisdiction of Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle. The content of this
terminology standard may also be applicable to documents not under the jurisdiction of Committee C26, in which case this
terminology standard may be referenced in those documents.
1.2 While subcommittees within Committee C26 are free to only provide terms and definitions within individual standards, each
subcommittee may request the addition of utilized terms and definitions to this terminology standard if it believes that such serves
the broader interest of Committee C26 and the nuclear fuel cycle profession. Therefore, terms and definitions proposed for
inclusion in Terminology C859 need not be used in more than one committee standard before being considered.
1.3 In general, technical terms that are defined in common dictionaries would not also be defined in this terminology standard
unless there is a need to emphasize a specific definition in making appropriate use of a Committee C26 standard.
1.4 Subcommittee C26.10 (Nondestructive Assay) also has a terminology standard applicable to its standards: Terminology
C1673.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1108 Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
C1156 Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measurement Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
C1673 Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
2 -2
absorbed dose, D, [L T ], n—absorbed dose is the mean energy imparted by ionizing radiation to a unit mass of specified
material.
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.01 on Editorial and
Terminology.
Current edition approved July 1, 2022Feb. 15, 2023. Published July 2022March 2023. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as
C859 – 22.C859 – 22A. DOI: 10.1520/C0859-22A.10.1520/C0859-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C859 − 23
DISCUSSION—
The SI unit for absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), defined as 1 J/kg.
abundance sensitivity, n—in methods of chemical analysis, the ratio of the ion beam intensity of the major isotope, M, to the
background current at the adjacent mass positions.
ion current at mass M
Abundance sensitivity 5 (1)
ion current at M61
accelerated test, n—for the prediction of long term behavior of materials, a test that results in an increase either in the rate of
an alteration mode or in the extent of reaction progress, when compared with expected service conditions.
DISCUSSION—
Changes in the expected alteration mechanism (s) caused by the accelerated test conditions, if any, must be accounted for in the use of the accelerated
test data.
accuracy, n—the closeness of agreement between a measurement result and an accepted reference. (E170)
–1
activity, A, [T ], n—the measure of the rate of spontaneous nuclear transformations of a radioactive material. The SI unit for
activity is the becquerel (Bq), defined as one transformation per second. The original unit for activity was the curie (Ci), defined
10
as 3.7 × 10 transformations per second.
alpha radiation, n—is the spontaneous emission of an alpha particle, composed o
...

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C859 − 23
Standard Terminology Relating to
1
Nuclear Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C859; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This terminology standard contains terms, definitions, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
descriptions of terms, nomenclature, and explanations of acro- C1108 Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential
nyms and symbols specifically associated with standards under Coulometry
the jurisdiction of Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle. The C1156 Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measure-
content of this terminology standard may also be applicable to ment Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Mate-
documents not under the jurisdiction of Committee C26, in rials
which case this terminology standard may be referenced in C1673 Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Meth-
those documents. ods
1.2 While subcommittees within Committee C26 are free to
3. Terminology
only provide terms and definitions within individual standards,
3.1 Definitions:
each subcommittee may request the addition of utilized terms
2 -2
absorbed dose, D, [L T ], n—absorbed dose is the mean
and definitions to this terminology standard if it believes that
energy imparted by ionizing radiation to a unit mass of
such serves the broader interest of Committee C26 and the
specified material.
nuclear fuel cycle profession. Therefore, terms and definitions
DISCUSSION—The SI unit for absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), defined
proposed for inclusion in Terminology C859 need not be used
as 1 J/kg.
in more than one committee standard before being considered.
abundance sensitivity, n—in methods of chemical analysis,
1.3 In general, technical terms that are defined in common
the ratio of the ion beam intensity of the major isotope, M,
dictionaries would not also be defined in this terminology
to the background current at the adjacent mass positions.
standard unless there is a need to emphasize a specific
ion current at mass M
definition in making appropriate use of a Committee C26
Abundance sensitivity5 (1)
ion current at M61
standard.
accelerated test, n—for the prediction of long term behavior of
1.4 Subcommittee C26.10 (Nondestructive Assay) also has
a terminology standard applicable to its standards: Terminol- materials, a test that results in an increase either in the rate
of an alteration mode or in the extent of reaction progress,
ogy C1673.
when compared with expected service conditions.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
DISCUSSION—Changes in the expected alteration mechanism (s)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
caused by the accelerated test conditions, if any, must be accounted for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
in the use of the accelerated test data.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
accuracy, n—the closeness of agreement between a measure-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ment result and an accepted reference. (E170)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
–1
activity, A, [T ], n—the measure of the rate of spontaneous
nuclear transformations of a radioactive material. The SI unit
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.01 on Editorial and
2
Terminology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C859 – 22A. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C0859-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C859 − 23
for activity is the becquerel (Bq), defined as one transfor- annealing, n—in glass leach tests, a controlled cooling process
mation per second. The original unit for activity was the for glass designed to reduce thermal residual stress to an
10
curie (Ci), defined as 3.7 × 10 transformations per second. acceptable level, and, in some cases, modify structure.
alpha radiation, n—is the spontaneous emission of an alpha artificial aging, n—any short time treatment that is designed to
duplicate or simulate the material/property changes that
particle, composed of two
...