Articles tagged with Nuclear Reactors
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The US nuclear power renaissance faces a blind spot in uranium fuel supplies, which are tight, vulnerable to geopolitics, and expensive. New fuel forms for advanced reactors offer promise, but scaling them affordably could squeeze conventional fuel markets.
The Tennessee Valley Authority has invested $3 million to establish a nuclear engineering chair at the University of Tennessee, advancing academic excellence and workforce development. The partnership aims to drive innovation and strengthen East Tennessee's role in nuclear energy.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that liquid lead forms an ultrathin film on steel surfaces, driving rapid dissolution and corrosion. The study suggests combining different types of steel to achieve long-lasting protection for next-generation reactors.
A new study by MIT researchers and their collaborators at national laboratories quantifies I-129 release under three different scenarios: direct disposal in deep underground repositories, dilution and release, and filters to capture I-129. France's practice of reprocessing releases 90% of I-129 into the biosphere, while U.S. approach l...
Researchers developed a technique to monitor corrosion and cracking in nuclear reactors using real-time 3D imaging. By directly imaging material failure processes, scientists can design safer reactors that deliver higher performance.
The study reveals a connection between the size of pores in graphite and its swelling and degradation under radiation. Researchers found that irradiated samples showed a fractal self-similarity in their pore structures, which could lead to more accurate predictions of graphite's lifespan in nuclear reactors.
A £13m UK university consortium is developing sustainable technologies for advanced modular reactors, aiming to secure the UK's position in nuclear innovation. The ENLIGHT programme will address key challenges, including sovereign supply of nuclear graphite and managing irradiated waste.
A research team from the University of South China has developed a novel algorithm to optimize radiation-shielding design in nuclear reactors. The algorithm, based on a reference-point-selection strategy, efficiently solves many-objective optimization problems and provides optimized shielding solutions for new types of reactors.
Researchers developed a coupled system model for liquid-fueled molten salt reactors, incorporating xenon and void transport. The validated model reveals how initiating events affect reactor safety and offers insights for future reactor designs.
The Armour Research Foundation Reactor, the world's first private nuclear reactor, was designated a Nuclear Historic Landmark for its pioneering work in agriculture, chemistry, and medicine. The reactor employed an innovative safety design using liquid nuclear fuel, enhancing safety in densely populated Chicago.
A novel machine learning-driven approach uses deep-learning operator-surrogate models to monitor critical degradation indicators in nuclear power facilities. This technique provides real-time predictions and addresses limitations of physical sensors or classical modeling predictions.
Scientists used radiation-induced reactions to convert corrosive Cr³⁺ to less-corrosive Cr²⁺, potentially mitigating metal alloy corrosion in molten salt nuclear reactors. The findings could improve the long-term reliability of these new reactors.
Physicists have measured a nuclear reaction that can occur in neutron star collisions, providing direct experimental data for a process previously only theorized. The study provides new insight into how the universe's heaviest elements are forged, with potential applications in nuclear reactor physics.
The University of Tennessee has unveiled a new Operator Training Simulator Laboratory in partnership with Kairos Power. The lab will provide hands-on training for reactor operators and serve as a hub for UT students entering the advanced nuclear industry. It features state-of-the-art human-machine interfaces and simulates KP-FHR dynamics.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have verified the impact of neutron radiation on concrete expansion, finding a 'flux effect' that reduces degradation. This discovery may allow nuclear power plants to operate more safely over longer periods.
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a technique to prevent unwanted waves that siphon off needed energy, increasing the efficiency of fusion reactions. Positioning a metal grate at a slight angle enhances heat put into the plasma and reduces slow modes, leading to more powerful and efficient fusion heating.
Argonne will support two projects in Ukraine under the DOS NEXT initiative, focusing on clean hydrogen power and rebuilding the steel industry. The project aims to provide energy security and resiliency benefits for clean steel production in post-war Ukraine.
Three Ph.D. students and a postdoctoral researcher from Texas A&M are working on RTE projects to create new materials for future nuclear reactors. They are using the Texas A&M Accelerator Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory to irradiate material, creating voids that can help understand swelling in nuclear reactors.
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.
Researchers studied fermium isotopes with different neutron numbers, revealing a steady increase in nuclear charge radius across the neutron number 152. The experimental results confirmed theoretical predictions on nuclear shell effects and paved the way for further laser spectroscopic studies of heavy elements.
Researchers propose excited states of neutrons could explain contradictory measurements of average lifetime. These states would have slightly higher energy and different lifetimes, resulting in significant discrepancies between measured results.
A new model based on the Langevin equation offers insights into exotic nuclei formation, enhancing the production of rare isotopes for scientific and medical applications. The model simplifies complex nuclear reactions by focusing on key physical processes, reducing adjustable parameters and improving energy dissipation predictions.
Researchers predicted promising reactions for creating double magic nuclei, such as <sup> 298 </sup> Fl and <sup> 304 </sup> 120. These elements could have unique properties and deepen understanding of atomic forces. The study is a step closer to the 'Island of Stability', where long-lasting superheavy nuclei might exist.
Four University of Michigan projects aim to improve the monitoring of nuclear reactors during operation, explore advanced reactor designs, develop ethical siting guidelines for nuclear facilities, and upgrade a facility for studying radiation damage. These initiatives may lead to safer and more efficient nuclear energy production.
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.
Researchers at MIT and LBNL created a simplified array of four pixels in tetromino shapes to detect radiation direction, achieving accuracy comparable to large expensive systems. The design reduces engineering costs while improving performance for handling multiple radiation sources.
The SNO+ experiment has successfully detected reactor neutrinos using plain water, showing that such detectors can play a role in ensuring nuclear non-proliferation. The measurement overcomes challenges of detecting tiny signals from distant reactors.
The use of 3D printing techniques can optimize the shape of uranium targets to increase the production of molybdenum-99. This method allows for a larger active surface area and more effective heat dissipation, resulting in higher processing efficiency.
Researchers developed a more sensitive approach to detect atomic-level structural damage in materials, enabling longer operational lifetimes for nuclear reactors. The new technique uses differential scanning calorimetry to measure energy changes within materials, revealing two mechanisms involved in radiation damage at elevated tempera...
The Advanced Test Reactor has completed its sixth core overhaul in 11 months, replacing worn-out components to maintain peak performance. The reactor will resume normal operations this spring, supporting vital nuclear energy research and scientific missions.
Seismic and acoustic data from a research reactor can accurately predict its power state, with up to 98% accuracy. Machine learning models applied to this data also enable the estimation of power levels, with around 66% accuracy.
Researchers have designed a novel thermal armour that successfully inhibits the Leidenfrost effect up to 1,150°C and achieves efficient liquid cooling across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough has significant implications for applications in aerospace, space engineering, and next-generation nuclear reactors.
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.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a retrofitted commercial refrigeration container to keep COVID-19 vaccines at ultra-low temperatures during transport. They've also identified and improved the usability of data to accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy, and investigated piezoelectric materials for radiation-...
The £3.6 million equipment will enable researchers to measure trace levels of radioactive elements, particularly actinides, in samples from UK nuclear facilities and natural environments.
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 achieved a record yield of over 1.3 megajoules from fusion reactions at the National Ignition Facility, surpassing previous experiments by an 8-fold and 25-fold margin. This milestone puts scientists at the threshold of fusion ignition, a crucial goal for the facility.
The study reveals that radiation condition, reactor design, and temperature are crucial factors in predicting instability in materials due to radiation. Nanomaterials with fine grain sizes suppress instabilities, making them more radiation-tolerant. The research provides insight into designing safer, more efficient nuclear reactors.
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.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used advanced machine learning to model the physico-chemical properties of a molten salt compound called FLiNaK, enabling accurate atomic-scale reproduction and prediction of behavior under specific reactor conditions. This computational framework can help character...
Researchers at Penn State have developed a small-scale laboratory experiment known as a hydrogen test loop to investigate nuclear thermal propulsion. The simulation, which includes a stainless steel pipe and a heating element, successfully models the operation of a reactor in space. The study's findings could lead to more efficient and...
Researchers use radiochronometry and forensic methods to determine the age and origins of Heisenberg and Diebner cubes. The findings will help train international border guards and nuclear forensics researchers to detect nuclear material.
Advanced small modular reactors offer flexible electricity generation and can meet Washington's fluctuating electricity demand. The technology has matured and is economically competitive in a carbon-free electricity sector.
A new computational model has been developed to predict the physical phenomenon inside very-high-temperature pebble-bed reactors. The model can accurately account for friction between fuel pebbles and its influence on cooling, allowing for safer and more efficient operation.
Researchers at Lancaster University have made a breakthrough in measuring miniscule levels of plutonium pollution in soils to differentiate between local and global sources. This innovation could help inform clean-up operations around nuclear power plants, saving time and money.
Researchers found large, highly radioactive particles containing cesium released from damaged reactors during the 2011 nuclear disaster. The particles have high levels of activity and could provide valuable forensic clues about the events leading up to the accident.
A new study optimizes LIBS for analyzing hydrogen isotopes in nuclear reactor materials, enabling faster and more accurate measurements. The researchers found that combining ultrafast laser pulses with specific environmental conditions improves the technique's performance.
Researchers developed a smart wall that functions as both a support structure and a cooling system, potentially lowering energy bills. Scientists also discovered a way to control the size of magnetic quasi-particles called skyrmions, which could advance high-density data storage and quantum magnets. Additionally, a new method for gaugi...
A team of scientists used positron beams to study radiation damage in iron films, revealing new insights into defect formation. The research provides critical data on the nature of defects and improves understanding of radiation effects in materials used in nuclear reactors and other extreme environments.
Argonne National Laboratory will partner with industry to develop tools for advanced reactors, using digital twins to test new technologies and reduce costs. The goal is to make nuclear power more competitive with fossil fuels by drastically reducing operation and maintenance costs.
Researchers at University of Münster and Leibniz University Hannover found that a mysterious 2017 radioactive cloud in Europe originated from civilian nuclear activities. The cloud contained high levels of ruthenium-106, which is commonly used in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are refining their design of a 3D-printed nuclear reactor core and developing methods to confirm the consistency and reliability of its printed components. The Transformational Challenge Reactor Demonstration Program aims to turn on the first-of-its-kind reactor by 2023.
ORNL's LandScan USA high-resolution population distribution database is now publicly available, aiding in COVID-19 research. Researchers also demonstrated a 20-kilowatt bi-directional wireless charging system on a UPS truck, advancing electric vehicle charging and energy storage.
The Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) software suite has been licensed commercially for the first time, with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as its first commercial licensee. VERA provides advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to improve nuclear reactor performance and safety.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University found a way to extend nuclear fuel lifetime by 75% using a thorium-based cycle, significantly increasing safety and reducing costs in remote areas. This breakthrough could provide a stable energy supply solution for hard-to-reach regions.
Tina Nenoff, a materials scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, has been elected AAAS fellow for her work on nanoporous materials that can detect hazardous nuclear fission gases. Her research focuses on designing and synthesizing materials that adsorb specific chemicals, such as iodine, to enable multiple cycles of measurements.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a computer simulation to compare energy use on similar weather days, helping utility companies and homeowners determine potential energy cost savings. The team also created a geothermal energy storage system that reduces peak electricity demand up to 37% in homes while balancing gr...
Blue Wave AI Labs will develop predictive models of reactor components using billions of nuclear reactor data points, enabling timely and safe replacements. The project aims to create a virtual sensor platform for nuclear reactor operations and maintenance, potentially applicable to future energy-production systems.
Researchers at University of Michigan discovered a new way to calculate interaction between metals and alloying materials, enabling faster search for materials with high hardness and resistance to cracking. This breakthrough could accelerate development of better alloys for turbine engines and nuclear reactors.
Researchers from NUST MISIS created a unique composite material that can withstand temperatures up to 700°C, outperforming individual components in terms of microhardness. The material's multilayer structure, made possible by high-pressure torsion, enables improved thermal stability and strength.