Improving nuclear sensor tech
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.275 million grant from the DOE to develop radiation-hard, multi-functional, distributed fiber sensors for improved nuclear reactor core safety and efficiency.
Nuclear Energy
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New plutonium discovery lights way for FSU chemistry professor's work to clean up nuclear waste
New research by Florida State University Professor Thomas Albrecht-Schmitt and his team reveals that a plutonium-organic hybrid compound behaves much like compounds made with lighter elements. The discovery sheds light on the electronic properties of plutonium, which could lead to breakthroughs in cleaning up nuclear waste.
NASA observations reshape basic plasma wave physics
NASA's MMS mission provides direct observation of kinetic Alfvén waves, revealing unexpected small-scale complexities and a higher rate of particle trapping than expected. The findings have implications for nuclear fusion technology and our understanding of the sun's solar wind.
Exploring the matter that filled the early universe
The Quark Matter 2017 conference showcases new results on ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, revealing the behavior of quarks and gluons in a primordial soup. Scientists explore the structure of nuclear matter, detecting correlations in particle characteristics to understand the dynamic behavior of quarks and gluons.
Physics: Toward a practical nuclear pendulum
Scientists from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich have successfully measured the lifetime of an excited state in an unstable element, paving the way for the development of nuclear clocks. The research team has characterized the energy transition in the 229Th nucleus and achieved a breakthrough in this field.
Prof Steve WaiChing Sun wins Air Force's Young Investigator Program Award
Sun, a civil engineering and engineering mechanics professor at Columbia University, has won the award for his project on modeling high-rate responses of wetted granular materials. He aims to improve predictions of large-scale field problems using insights from small-scale observations and simulations.
Superconductivity of pure Bismuth crystal at 0.00053 K
A group of TIFR scientists have discovered superconductivity in pure Bismuth crystal at an extremely low temperature of 0.00053 K. The discovery cannot be explained by standard models of superconductivity, highlighting the need for a new theory.
DOE project to evaluate safety of transporting used nuclear fuel
A University of Houston engineer leads a multi-institution effort to develop monitoring techniques for stable fuel transport during transit and accidents. Researchers will study structural issues, risk analysis, and new sensing techniques to ensure spent nuclear fuel can be safely moved from temporary storage to permanent disposal sites.
Spherical tokamaks could provide path to limitless fusion energy
Researchers propose spherical tokamaks as a design for future fusion devices, offering a compact and low-cost solution for harnessing fusion energy. The upgraded NSTX-U and MAST facilities will provide crucial data for developing commercial fusion plants.
FSU chemistry professor explores outer regions of periodic table
Researchers at FSU discovered a berkelium borate compound and complex molecule, providing insights into the element's structure and chemical similarities to surrounding elements. The study also sheds light on berkelium's unique electronic properties.
Scientists model the 'flicker' of gluons in subatomic smashups
Researchers developed a mathematical model to represent gluon distributions within protons, identifying fluctuations as essential for explaining experimental data. The model's results suggest that gluon fluctuations can help explain collective phenomena observed in proton-nucleus collisions.
'Dream Team' chosen to study basic science of nuclear waste
A team of researchers from top institutions, including PNNL and Washington State University, will study the chemistry of radioactive waste to accelerate cleanup efforts. The goal is to understand how radiation affects materials and constituents in waste tanks, ultimately reducing processing time and expense.
USU engineering faculty receive $5.8 million in nuclear energy research grants
Two USU professors will receive grants to study accident-tolerant nuclear fuels and improve computer models for reactor cooling systems. The research aims to advance understanding of fuel behavior, performance, and computational tools for improved safety.
Spinning electrons yield positrons for research
Using the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), researchers have demonstrated a method to produce polarized positrons from spinning electrons. This technique could enable new research in advanced materials and offer a new avenue for producing polarized positron beams for proposed experiments. The team successfully tran...
Machine learning accelerates the discovery of new materials
Researchers used machine learning to speed up the discovery of shape-memory alloys with low thermal hysteresis, critical for improving fatigue life in engineering applications. The framework iteratively guides experiments to find materials with desired target properties, cutting time and cost by half.
UNC-Chapel Hill researchers crack 50-year-old nuclear waste problem, make storage safer
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have adapted solar energy technology to selectively remove americium from nuclear waste pools, making storage safer and nontoxic. The breakthrough solution also opens the door to expand one of the most efficient energy sources on the planet.
Hundred million degree fluid key to fusion: ANU media release
Scientists have solved a key puzzle in fusion energy by understanding the behavior of plasma waves. By applying fluid flow theory, they explained an unstable wave mode that had been observed in fusion experiments, making it possible to harness clean and endless energy.
MIT Energy Initiative welcomes Exelon as member for clean energy research
The MIT Energy Initiative welcomes Exelon as a member to advance key enabling technologies crucial to addressing climate change. The partnership aims to accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies through collaborations with academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Most precise measurement of reactor antineutrino spectrum reveals intriguing surprise
The Daya Bay Collaboration has obtained the most precise measurement of reactor antineutrino energy spectrum ever recorded, showing a surprising excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around five million electron volts. This deviation of up to four standard deviations suggests that current calculations may need refinement.
UK science leads the way in nuclear research
Scientists at Diamond Light Source are pioneering research to make the nuclear fuel cycle safer, more efficient, and straightforward. They're developing new cement materials that can effectively contain radioactive waste for thousands of years.
Most precise measurement of energy range for particles produced by nuclear reactors
The Daya Bay Collaboration has captured the most precise energy measurements of reactor antineutrinos, indicating two intriguing discrepancies with theoretical models. The measured energy spectrum shows a surprising excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around 5 million electron volts.
Most precise measurement of reactor Antineutrino spectrum reveals intriguing surprise
The Daya Bay Collaboration has obtained the most precise measurement of reactor antineutrinos' energy spectrum, revealing two intriguing discrepancies with theoretical predictions. The data indicates an excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around 5 million electron volts, a deviation of up to four standard deviations.
ORNL supports new projects to develop advanced nuclear technologies
Researchers at ORNL will support two new DOE-funded projects exploring advanced nuclear reactor technologies, including molten chloride fast reactors and pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.
Seeing where energy goes may bring scientists closer to realizing nuclear fusion
Researchers develop technique to 'see' energy delivery in fast ignition, achieving record high efficiency. The new approach enables better understanding of energy flow and investigation of experimental designs.
PPPL engineers complete the design of Wendelstein 7-X scraper unit
The PPPL-designed scraper element will help physicists explore various magnetic field arrangements and plasma currents in the W7-X stellarator. The component intercepts heat from fusion reactions, reducing the risk of damage to the divertor and stellarator equipment.
Improved nuclear waste disposal focus of $800,000 Department of Energy grant
Researchers are developing an electrochemical separation process to remove challenging elements like cesium and strontium from used nuclear fuel. This approach aims to create less waste, separate out nuclear waste for better management, and extend the life of electrolyte solutions.
Chemical complexity promises improved structural alloys for next-gen nuclear energy
Designing alloys to withstand extreme environments is a fundamental challenge for materials scientists. Researchers found that exploiting the complexity of equal amounts of up to four different metallic elements can lead to improved radiation resistance. The results reveal significantly reduced defect production and damage accumulation...
Fusion reactors 'economically viable' say experts
Researchers at Durham University have re-examined the economics of fusion, taking account of recent advances in superconductor technology. Their analysis shows that fusion energy could be financially feasible compared to traditional fission nuclear power. The study identifies new advantages in using this new technology.
Scientists present, discuss latest data from experiments smashing nuclei
The latest results from ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions offer insight into the building blocks of matter and the hearts of neutron stars. Scientists are studying quarks and gluons in extreme conditions to understand the early universe.
Small-scale nuclear fusion may be a new energy source
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new type of nuclear fusion process that produces almost no neutrons, instead releasing fast and heavy electrons. This allows for the creation of smaller and simpler fusion reactors with instant electrical energy production.
New benchmarks for molecular spectroscopy
The study provides a high-resolution readout of the energy levels for cations from their vibrational ground state to excited states, furthering our understanding of the coupled vibrations in the Renner-Teller effect. The results also shed light on the electronic structure of organic molecules.
Energiewende in the Alps: Switzerland's transition away from nuclear
Switzerland seeks to replace nuclear power with a mix of renewable energy sources, including wind, photovoltaics, and hydropower. The country aims to be largely independent of fossil fuels by 2034, reducing carbon intensity through efficient production processes and substantial reductions in consumption.
Opening the doors to Iran's nuclear program
Iran's national uranium enrichment plant could be sold to other countries to keep the nuclear program peaceful. Multinationalizing the program ahead of 2025 could set a standard reducing nuclear proliferation risks worldwide.
UW researchers scaling up fusion hopes with DOE grant
University of Washington researchers are scaling up their 'Sheared Flow Stabilized Z-Pinch' device in hopes of achieving a sustainable fusion reaction. With a $5.3 million grant, they aim to create a proof-of-principle experiment that demonstrates the concept's scalability.
An improvement to the global software standard for analyzing fusion plasmas
Researchers have updated the TRANSP program to better simulate interactions between energetic particles and instabilities in plasma, which can affect fusion reactions. The updated code will provide a more accurate way to compute particle transport and improve simulations for future fusion facilities like ITER.
New CU-Boulder technique could slash energy used to produce many plastics
A new material developed at CU-Boulder can separate ethylene from ethane more efficiently, reducing energy consumption. This could save up to 46 million megawatt-hours of electricity per year in the US, equivalent to seven average-sized nuclear power plants.
Explosive Destruction System begins first stockpile project
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) has begun destroying chemical munitions at the US Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, preparing for a larger operation to destroy 780,000 munitions containing 2,600 tons of mustard agent. The new system is designed to process stockpile munitions more efficiently than previous versions.
Argonne partners with industry on nuclear work
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory is partnering with three leading nuclear companies to address technical challenges in advanced reactor design. The partnership aims to create next-generation reactors with improved safety and efficiency.
'Iron Sun' is not a rock band, but a key to how stars transmit energy
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that iron's opacity plays a significant role in regulating energy transfer within the sun. By creating conditions similar to those found inside the sun, the team was able to measure the opacity of iron and close a theoretical gap in the Standard Solar Model.
Nuclear should be in the energy mix for biodiversity
Leading conservation scientists argue that nuclear energy should be part of the energy mix to mitigate climate change. The researchers evaluated different energy scenarios and found that nuclear power performs well compared to renewables, considering factors like safety, cost, scalability, land transformation, and emissions.
Balancing renewable energy costs
A French scientist has developed an open source simulation method to calculate the actual cost of relying on a combination of electricity sources. The study found that an optimal mix contains a large amount of nuclear power and a small amount of fluctuating energies like wind and solar.
Clemson leads research on new materials that could make it safer to store nuclear waste
A Clemson University-led research team aims to develop materials that can encase nuclear waste for safe storage. The project focuses on crystalline ceramic based on naturally occurring minerals that endure for millions of years.
Researchers get $5.25 million to advance nuclear technologies in South Carolina
A team of Clemson University researchers will use a $5.25 million grant from the US Department of Energy to advance nuclear monitoring, remediation and disposal technologies in South Carolina. The project aims to address key scientific issues related to radioactive contaminants and develop integrative models for radionuclide transport.
Sandia magnetized fusion technique produces significant results
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have produced a trillion fusion neutrons using the MagLIF technique, which uses magnetic fields and a laser to preheat hydrogen fuel. The achievement demonstrates the viability of this novel approach for achieving break-even fusion.
Neutrino detectors could help curb nuclear weapons activity
A team of scientists from Virginia Tech has proposed using neutrino detectors to monitor plutonium production in Iran's Arak reactor. The technology can detect antineutrinos produced by fission of uranium-235 and plutonium-239, providing high-level monitoring not currently offered by any other technique.
UH chemical engineer earns Early Career Award from DOE
UH chemical engineer Lars Grabow has received a $750,000 five-year award from the Department of Energy to continue his research on upgrading bio-oil. Bio-oil is created by heating biomass and has high oxygen content, making it unstable for use as transportation fuel or chemical feedstock.
Energy Secretary Moniz announces 2013 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award Winners
The US Department of Energy has recognized six exceptional scientists and engineers with the 2013 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for their contributions to research and development supporting energy, science, and national security missions. The award recipients have made significant advances in various scientific fields.
Beam on target!
The CEBAF accelerator successfully delivered its first data of the 12 GeV era, achieving 6.11 GeV electrons at 2 nanoAmps average current for over an hour. The milestone marks a major step in the commissioning process and demonstrates the ability to deliver high-energy beams beyond the original operational energy.
Princeton, PPPL join major arms-control project
Researchers at Princeton University and PPPL are developing a unique process to verify that nuclear weapons contain true warheads. The goal is to confirm the authenticity of inspected items without revealing sensitive information.
Researchers describe oxygen's different shapes
A team of physicists reveals how oxygen-16's nuclear shape differs between its ground and first excited states, shedding light on the element's production. The findings may improve our understanding of helium-burning reactions in red giant stars.
Fusion instabilities lessened by unexpected effect
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories successfully reduced magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities by adding a secondary magnetic field created by a Helmholz coil to their experiments. This modification allowed the liner to compress fuel more effectively, potentially leading to controlled nuclear fusion.
SCIENCE CHINA chemistry special topic: Extraction of uranium from seawater
Researchers in China are exploring a method to extract uranium from seawater, a potential solution to ensure reliable supplies of the fuel. Despite the challenge of extracting uranium from seawater at economic viability, progress has been made, including successful experiments by Japan and the US.
Researcher is optimistic about meeting 'Grand Challenge' of global prosperity
A Cornell professor outlines a path to achieving a European standard of living for the world's population, driven by growth in renewable energy sources. The proposed solution requires significant energy production, with a focus on nuclear power, to meet the 'Grand Challenge' of global prosperity.
Virtual control room helps nuclear operators, industry
The Human System Simulation Laboratory at Idaho National Laboratory is a full-scale virtual nuclear control room that tests proposed technology replacements before implementation. This facility enables scientists to improve control-room designs by studying human interactions with instruments and responses to alarms. The lab is now help...
Los Alamos/Tribogenics create highly portable imaging system
A lightweight, compact, and low-cost X-ray system has been developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Tribogenics. The MiniMAX camera-based system provides real-time inspection of sealed containers and facilities, enabling new applications in security inspection, field medicine, specimen radiography, and industrial inspection.
Early career award supports physicist's quest for a top quark partner
Andrew Ivanov, a Kansas State University physicist, has received the Department of Energy Early Career Research Award to study the Large Hadron Collider. He aims to find a partner particle to the top quark and improve the Compact Muon Solenoid Pixel Detector system.
Low-carbon hybrid energy systems -- China's future energy solutions
A low-carbon hybrid energy system is proposed to integrate coal with nuclear, wind, solar, biomass, and hydro power to reduce CO2 emission and recycle carbon. The system utilizes carbon recycling to produce useful materials while increasing energy efficiency.
University of Tennessee receives DOE funds to improve nuclear safety
The University of Tennessee will participate in two Department of Energy projects worth over $9 million to enhance nuclear energy safety and efficiency. Researchers aim to develop new materials and designs that can prevent accidents, such as those seen at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011.
Mug handles could help hot plasma give lower-cost, controllable fusion energy
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a novel method for containing hot plasma using mug-handle-like coils, which require less energy than current methods. The new approach stabilizes the plasma, enabling more efficient fusion energy production.
University of Tennessee, ORNL lead national team to study nuclear fusion reactors
Researchers aim to develop models that predict material response over years and decades for plasma reactor operation. The team will examine how surfaces respond to energetic neutrons and ions, tackling a critical aspect of achieving fusion energy.