Articles tagged with Nuclear Energy
New research from the University of Michigan shows that small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are economically viable and can be deployed by 2050. SMRs have the potential to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions by up to 59 million metric tons annually, making them a low-cost option for meeting energy demands and emission goals.
Brian Leard, a PhD student at Lehigh University, has been awarded a prestigious DOE grant to conduct research at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. He aims to develop simulation codes that can optimize actuator operation and improve the accuracy of plasma physics predictions.
Iowa State University researchers are using additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to create tungsten shields and components that can withstand high temperatures and radiation in nuclear reactors. The goal is to improve the efficiency of nuclear power and reduce costs.
Researchers developed a detector that senses and analyzes antineutrinos emitted by nuclear reactors, enabling detection of reactor use even from hundreds of miles away. The device exploits Cherenkov radiation to characterize energy profiles and can distinguish between operational cycles and specific isotopes in spent fuel.
Scientists at Lehigh University are using mayonnaise to study Rayleigh-Taylor instability and its transition to a plastic regime. The researchers aim to better understand the physics of nuclear fusion through this unconventional approach.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have successfully fabricated the world's highest-performing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wire segment, achieving critical current density and pinning force values previously unseen. The breakthrough could significantly improve the price-performance metric for commercial coated conducto...
Researchers at Lehigh University use mayonnaise to simulate the phases of Rayleigh-Taylor instability in nuclear fusion, which could inform the design of future inertial confinement fusion processes. The team found that understanding the transition between elastic and stable plastic phases is critical for controlling the instability.
Researchers studied jet energy loss in nucleus-nucleus collisions, revealing a decrease in the jet transport coefficient with increasing medium temperature. This discovery provides a more accurate understanding of jet quenching in high-energy collisions.
A comprehensive analysis of US coal power plants reveals feasibility for conversion to advanced nuclear reactors, providing valuable insights for policymakers and utilities. The study uses a GIS-based tool to evaluate socio-technical and economic factors, suggesting a broad spectrum of suitability levels across different locations.
The study reveals that supergranules, a flow structure in the sun's interior, challenge standard theories of solar convection. Researchers discovered that downflows appear weaker than upflows, suggesting an unseen component that could be small-scale plumes transporting cooler plasma into the sun's interior.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the one-neutron stripping process in lithium-6 and bismuth-209 reactions. The study reveals that this process yields results comparable to fusion reactions, especially at energy regions near nuclear barriers.
A recent study analyzing 300,000 X posts found that 48 US states have a more positive than negative tone towards nuclear energy, with a national average at 54% positive. Concerns about waste, cost, and safety dominate negative sentiment, while technology themes fuel positive sentiments highlighting innovations and job creation.
Physicists have achieved a breakthrough by exciting thorium atomic nuclei with lasers for the first time, enabling precise tracking of their return to original energy states. This discovery has far-reaching implications for precision measurement techniques, including nuclear clocks and fundamental questions in physics.
Scientists at Zap Energy have achieved a major breakthrough in fusion technology, creating a plasma with electron temperatures of up to 37 million degrees Celsius. The company's sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch device far exceeds the previous record and offers a promising path to commercial fusion energy.
Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory successfully simulate a novel combination method for managing fusion plasma. By combining electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) and resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP), researchers can create a more stable plasma edge, reducing the amount of current required to generate RMPs.
Research by the University of Oklahoma reveals that Americans have broad public support for fusion energy, but limited knowledge and frequent misconceptions. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing public confusion and desire for safety to expand fusion energy support.
JET's final deuterium-tritium experiments demonstrated high fusion power consistently produced for 5 seconds, setting a world-record of 69 megajoules using 0.2 milligrams of fuel. The facility has reliably created fusion plasmas with the same fuel mixture as commercial fusion energy powerplants.
A team from Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a method to remotely monitor nuclear reactors using antineutrinos. The approach, published in the Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, could help prevent the manufacturing of materials for nuclear weapons.
The Lehigh University Plasma Control Group is working on advanced controls and machine learning to improve plasma dynamics simulation capabilities and stabilize superheated gases in future reactors. The goal is to address technological issues with ITER and FPP, ensuring safe and controllable operation.
A new method for desalinating seawater using hydrate-based desalination technology has been developed, offering a low-energy solution for producing freshwater. The research team calculated optimal temperatures for enhanced efficiency, with maximum water yields reaching up to 67% in certain brine concentrations.
Researchers at Texas A&M's Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of a $42 million program to advance laser-driven fusion energy. The RISE hub will focus on innovative target concepts, excimer gas lasers, and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes.
NTU Singapore has expanded its research collaborations with French partners to push the boundaries of science. The university has inked six new partnerships and renewed existing collaborations across various fields, including quantum physics, nuclear energy, and sustainability.
The UK and Japan partnership aims to develop new technologies for detecting and processing radioactive waste. Researchers will focus on improving inspection technologies using hyperspectral imaging and exploring calcined clays as natural resources to engineer 'geopolymer binders'.
Researchers have developed a compact α-Al2O3 protective layer that can stick to metal surfaces, providing outstanding protection in high-temperature liquid metal environments. The layer's unique structure and properties promote adhesion strength and resist peeling, making it an innovative solution for extending the service life of liqu...
Prof. Zuankai WANG's innovative structured thermal armour (STA) resolves the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C, enabling efficient liquid cooling in extreme temperatures. This breakthrough applies to aero-engines, space-engines, nuclear reactors, and electronics devices, with far-reaching implications for chemistry and beyond.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed high-adsorption phosphates that can efficiently capture radionuclide cesium ions. These phosphates outperform standard adsorbents with record-high adsorption capacities, making them promising candidates for radioactive waste disposal.
A two-day workshop hosted by PPPL discussed the risks and benefits of fusion energy, including concerns about nuclear proliferation and energy justice. Experts emphasized the need for open discussion and regulation to ensure safe and equitable deployment of fusion power.
A recent MIT study finds that shutting down nuclear power could significantly increase air pollution, with up to 5,200 premature deaths estimated. The study reveals that fossil fuel sources would fill the gap, leading to increased health risks, especially for Black or African American communities.
The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created stable plasmas using microwaves, a key step towards harnessing nuclear fusion's massive energy potential. The team identified three crucial steps in plasma production and used Heliotron J to generate the dense plasmas.
Researchers developed a new particle resuspension prediction model based on quasi-static moment equilibrium, which considers flow characteristics, particle morphology, and rough wall surface. The model is more accurate than classical models and can be applied to traceability analysis of pollutants.
New research from Princeton University suggests that fusion energy's viability hinges on economics, not just engineering challenges. The model results indicate that a favorable market can enable fusion to reach 100 GW capacity despite high capital costs, but competing technologies may require lower prices.
Researchers have discovered a new 3D-printed superalloy that can withstand high heat, essential for power plant turbines. The alloy, composed of 42% aluminum, 25% titanium and other metals, is stronger at high temperatures than state-of-the-art materials.
The UTSA-led Consortium on Nuclear Security Technologies (CONNECT) has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. The program aims to educate and train the next generation of scientists and engineers in nuclear security, with a focus on underrepresented students.
Lehigh University has received nearly $1.75 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to support fusion energy research, specifically for ITER's long-pulse scenarios. The project aims to prepare ITER for operation and address critical research questions related to plasma control.
Researchers studied the strong nuclear force using nickel-64 nuclei, discovering that they change shapes under high-energy conditions. The team used advanced detectors to analyze gamma rays and particle direction, revealing two possible shapes for the nucleus: oblate and prolate.
Researchers at Paderborn University developed a new algorithm for quantum computing in chemistry, reducing qubit count and increasing parallelisation. This allows for the simulation of larger molecules and improved accuracy despite 'quantum noise'.
A study by University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley finds that competition with China drove significant increases in clean energy investment between 2000 and 2018. The share of RD&D funding for clean technologies grew from 46% to 63%, while fossil fuel funding remained relatively unchanged.
The U.S. Department of Energy has renewed funding for a research center studying molten salts, which have potential applications in improving the safety and efficiency of nuclear power. The center, led by Brookhaven National Laboratory, will receive $13.3 million over four years to advance our understanding of molten salt properties.
Argonne researchers develop a new way to calculate the environmental impact of ammonia production, evaluating two promising methods: carbon capture and water electrolysis. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in fertilizer production.
The research team aims to develop a new approach to managing spent nuclear fuel by engaging community members in the design and construction process. This 'community-first approach' involves simulating the engagement of local stakeholders before designing a facility, taking into account their wishes and needs for future storage sites.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the life cycle assessment of nuclear power generation, revealing varying TMR coefficients across different mining methods and fuel cycles. The results show that nuclear power generates similar natural resources as renewable energy, significantly less than thermal power.
A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that solar photovoltaics can provide sufficient power for extended Mars missions, outperforming nuclear fusion reactors in over 50% of the planet's surface. This breakthrough provides a more practical solution for long-term human settlements on Mars.
Researchers from UC Berkeley found that a photovoltaic array using compressed hydrogen for energy storage can efficiently power human missions on Mars. The system beats out nuclear power across about 50% of the Martian surface.
The project will develop a better understanding of nuclear radiation by integrating recent mathematical developments into radiation transport modelling. This will lead to improved nuclear safety, cancer radiotherapy, and shielding for astronauts from cosmic rays.
Researchers at the University of Surrey are working on a new approach to stress measurement techniques for nuclear fusion energy. The team aims to prove the safety and effectiveness of welds in future fusion power plants, which could be a key part of the world's long-term energy needs.
The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center will engage in nuclear materials technology research with a five-year, $5 million grant from the US Department of Energy. This partnership aims to transform national nuclear security through nuclear material science applications and provide opportunities for underrepresented students.
A team from UNIGE and Empa recommends a domestic generation mix of wind and photovoltaic energy to reduce Switzerland's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The scenario would enable the country to reduce its footprint by an estimated 45%.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a novel method for 3D printing refractory materials into complex shapes needed for advanced nuclear reactor designs. USNC plans to incorporate this technology to boost their mission to develop safe, commercially competitive, and simple nuclear energy equipment.
The University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a $980,000 grant from the Department of Energy to develop an AI-driven detector for the future Electron-Ion Collider. The team will use machine learning techniques to optimize detector design and achieve 'co-design,' a new concept in nuclear physics.
The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment will provide crucial operational data for fast-spectrum salt reactors and unlock this uniquely flexible advanced reactor technology for use in a net-zero future. The project represents a significant inflection point in the technology demonstration roadmap for TerraPower's MCFR.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness hot helium ash to drive rotation in fusion reactors, reducing instabilities and turbulence. By capturing the energy of hot fusion ash via alpha channeling, plasma rotation can be stabilized, leading to improved performance and reduced operating costs.
Research has shown steady progress toward achieving large energy gain in fusion reactions, a crucial milestone for commercial fusion energy. Recent advancements in laser-driven devices and lower-cost private concepts have significantly increased performance thresholds, surpassing early tokamak designs.
Researchers track migration of fast ions, revealing routes influenced by Alfvén waves. The observed patterns suggest a large-scale migration among different routes, with some ions escaping the core and others returning to it.
Thermal quenches in fusion devices occur when high-energy electrons escape from the core and fly toward the wall, causing a rapid drop in electron temperature. The researchers propose an analytic model of plasma transport that provides new physical insights into the complex topology of 3-D magnetic field lines.
Researchers at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully integrated hot cores and cool edges in fusion reactors using powder injection and Super H-mode. This approach achieves significant edge cooling with modest effects on core performance, making it compatible with larger devices like ITER. The results suggest a promising...
Researchers examine how heat affects salt and brine in underground tests to refine computer models and inform policymakers about spent nuclear fuel disposal. The understanding gained will help assess the viability of salt beds as a safe storage option for radioactive waste.
A survey of 1,000 people in five Southeast Asian countries found that more than half were against nuclear energy development. The study suggests that trust in entities and risk perceptions are key factors influencing public opinion on nuclear energy.