Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

There From The Beginning: The Women Of Los Alamos National Laboratory Supporting National And International Nuclear Security, Olga Martin, Laura Mcclellan, Octavio Ramos, Heather Quinn

International Journal of Nuclear Security

From the beginning of the Manhattan Project in the early 1940s, the women of what would become Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) worked in technical positions alongside their male counterparts, played a key role as computers, and worked in administrative jobs as secretaries, phone operators, bookkeepers, and on behalf of the U.S. Army in the Women’s Army Corps.

Throughout the history of the Laboratory, women experts at LANL helped establish and lead important national and international security programs, with careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over time, the women of Los Alamos have come together under various Employee Resource …

Eusectra: European Nuclear Security Training Centre Providing Hands-On Training And Education In Nuclear Security And Safeguards, Willem Janssens, Veronique Berthou, Abbas Kamel, Jean Galy, Klaus Luetzenkirchen, Klaus Mayer, Stefan Nonneman

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The European Nuclear Security Training Centre (EUSECTRA) inaugurated under this global name about 10 years ago and operated by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), located both on the Karlsruhe (Germany) and Ispra (Italy) sites, includes a large variety of capacity building and professional development activities which span from the hands-on training for nuclear security and safeguards actors (e.g. respectively border guards or customs and nuclear inspectors) to educational efforts in both nuclear security and safeguards. Whereas the first ones, which gave rise to the new name, focus mainly on detection, on-site assistance, crime-scene management, technical reach-back and nuclear …

Measurement And Analysis Of The Extreme Physical Shock Environment Experienced By Crane-Mounted Radiation Detection Systems, Matthew Boyd, Jennifer Erchinger, Craig M. Marianno, Gene Kallenbach

International Journal of Nuclear Security

At ports of entry, radiation detectors could be mounted on container gantry crane spreaders to monitor cargo containers entering and leaving the country. These detectors would have to withstand the extreme physical conditions experienced by these spreaders during normal operations. Physical shock data from the gable ends of a spreader were recorded during the loading and unloading of a cargo ship by two hard mounted PCB Piezotronics model 340A50 accelerometers and two Lansmont SAVER 9X30 units (with padding). The majority of large shocks were observed in the vertical direction. The Lansmont units recorded mean shocks of 22.215 ± 1.174 and …

Recommended Corrective Security Measures To Address The Weaknesses Identified Within The Shapash Nuclear Research Institute, Khadija Moussaid, Oum Keltoum Hakam

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The Shapash Nuclear Research Institute (SNRI) data book was issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2013. The hypothetical facility data book describes the hypothetical site, which is divided into two areas: the low-security area, known as the administrative area, and the very high-security area, known as the protected area. The book contains detailed descriptions of each area’s safety and security measures, along with figures of multiple buildings in both areas, and also includes information about the site’s computer networks.

This paper aims to identify security weaknesses related to the institute’s location, the Administrative Area (AA), the Protected …

Developing Kenya’S Educational Capacity In Nuclear Security Through Nuclear Forensics Research, Hudson Kalambuka Angeyo

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Nuclear energy’s distinctive characteristics give rise to special educational requirements. These requirements are necessary to not only address the danger of nuclear proliferation, but also to build capacity for a secure nuclear fuel circle. In this paper, I assess the status of educational capacity in nuclear security both in response to, and in support of, Kenya’s nuclear power program. I highlight the nuclear security educational infrastructure’s key features in the context of nuclear power, noting the low capacity at Kenyan universities. I identify the steps required to ensure that the country’s dynamic nuclear regulatory infrastructural framework is used effectively to …

The "Double Standard" Of Nonproliferation: Regime Type And The U.S. Response To Nuclear Weapons Program, Alina Shymanska

International Journal of Nuclear Security

There is no doubt that the NPT regime is far from being equal for all states involved. As the predominant hegemonic power since WWII, the United States plays a major role in deciding the fates of non-great power proliferators. This article tries to find the logical explanation of the phenomenon whereby some nuclear proliferators are absolved regardless of their active accumulation of nuclear arsenals while others are labeled as “rogue states” and ordered to disarm. The article suggests that a particular proliferator’s political regime could affect the way in which its state is approached by the U.S., known for its …

The Future Of Nuclear Security: A Medical Physicist’S Perspective, Katharine E. Thomson

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Planning for the future of nuclear security is a vital and complex task, requiring cooperation and contribution from many disciplines and industries. This diversity of expertise should include the medical sector, which faces many of the same challenges as the nuclear industry: controlling access to dangerous material, creating a strong security culture, cooperating with the wider world and engaging the public.

Medical physicists, of which the author is one, oversee all aspects of small-scale radiation use. This paper discusses three key areas increasingly important to both medical and nuclear uses of radioactive materials: public engagement, prevention of nuclear and radiological …

Assessing And Enhancing Nuclear Safety And Security Culture For Small Facilities That Handle Radioactive Material, Solymosi Máté

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The use of radioactive sources is expanding all over the world and abreast the necessity of the enhancement of its safe and secure application is increasing too. In the nuclear industry, the safety and security are top priorities since decades. They share the same goal, to protect humans from the negative affect of the ionizing radiation. The human component of them is a significant factor and technical solutions can protect us so far and thus the culture for safety and security become a major focus. On the other hand, there are still some contradiction between recommendations and international guidance of …

The Future Of Nuclear Security In Moroccan Territory After The Creation Of The New Moroccan Agency Of Nuclear And Radiological Safety And Security: Opportunities And Challenges, Amal Touarsi, Amina Kharchaf

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Nowadays, a security regime for protecting nuclear and radiological material—providing an intelligent national regulatory institution and establishing national security laws—is necessary in order for a state to ensure security of nuclear and radiological materials used within its borders.

This paper focuses on discussing the opportunities and challenges facing the future of nuclear security after the creation of the new Moroccan Agency of Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security.

Solar System Battery Backups For Reactor Coolant Pumps During Electricity Outages Resulting From Natural Disasters, Md. Shamsul Huda Sohel

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In a nuclear power plant, its coolant system is major safety equipment. Coolant system failure causes several accidents in nuclear history. There are so many causes for coolant system failure. One of them is lack of electric power for coolant pumps. In typically NPP there is backup system for power redundancy. In this article, focus on reactor coolant system and its backup power when main grid lines failure. Here discuss about solar backup power for batteries and increases a safety lines for reactor coolant pumps. So, our main goal is providing a battery backup from reliable natural source and ensuring …

Table Of Contents

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Nuclear Power: Black Sky Liability Or Black Sky Asset?, Sherrell R. Greene

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Ready access to abundant electricity is a key enabler of modern life. During the past decade the vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure sectors in the U.S. to a variety of natural hazards and man-made threats has become increasingly apparent. The electrical infrastructure (the “Grid”) is the foundation for all other critical civil infrastructures upon which our society depends. Therefore, protection of the Grid is an energy security, homeland security, and national security issue of highest importance. Geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) induced by solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs), electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, and cyber attacks are three events having the potential to plunge …

Student Competition Cover

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Improving Nuclear Safety, Security, And Nonproliferation In Northeast Asia Through Multinational Approach, Viet Phuong Nguyen

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Prospects For Cooperation On Tackling Nuclear And Radiological Terrorism In South Asia: India–Pakistan Nuclear Detection Architecture, Muhammad Umer Khan

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The 1995 Middle East Resolution: A Vital Lifeline To The Extension And Success Of The Non-Proliferation Treaty, Haidy Y. Ghoname, Howard Lewis Hall

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This study highlights the core non-proliferation dilemmas we face and suggests an effective mechanism for reviving the spirit and the hope of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. An indispensable key to the treaty calls for a rethinking of what we believe should be referred to as its four pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and implementation of the 1995 Middle East Resolution. We seek to contribute to the renaissance of the non-proliferation regime by addressing seven dilemmas that arise from the way various Non-Proliferation Treaty participants pursue the goals of the four pillars undergirding the treaty. This study highlights …

Modern Advancements In Post-Detonation Nuclear Forensic Analysis, S. Adam Stratz, Jonathan A. Gill, John D. Auxier Ii, Howard L. Hall

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Deterring nuclear terrorism is a critical national asset to support the preclusion of non-state actors from initiating a nuclear attack on the United States. Successful attribution of a detonated nuclear weapon allows for timely responsive measures that prove essential in the period following a nuclear event. In conjunction with intelligence and law enforcement evidence, the technical nuclear forensics (TNF) post-detonation community supports this mission through the development and advancement of expertise to characterize weapon debris through a rapid, accurate, and detailed approach. Though the TNF field is young, numerous strides have been made in recent years toward a more robust …

Evaluation Of Covert Plutonium Production From Unconventional Uranium Sources, Ondrej Chvala, Steven Skutnik, Tyrone Christopher Harris, Emily Anne Frame

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The potential for a relatively non-advanced nation to covertly acquire a significant quantity of weapons-grade plutonium using a gas-cooled, natural uranium-fueled reactor based on relatively primitive early published designed is evaluated in this article. The economic and technical issues that would influence the design decisions of a covert ²³⁹Pu production program are considered.

Several unconventional uranium acquisition approaches were explored. Methods for extracting uranium from enrichment tails, seawater, and coal ash sources were considered. The evaluation indicated that uranium extraction from coal ash or insitu leaching from underground deposits could be performed in economical manner that might be difficult …

Janus Realized: The Use Of Social Media As A Means Of Transparency Nuclear Communication To The Public, Frances Bachstein

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Tunnel Threat At Nuclear Facilities: A Case Study, Md. Mobasher Ahmed

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Editor

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Legal And Regulatory Framework Of Nuclear Security In Indonesia, Dahlia Cakrawati Sinaga

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Nuclear security is one of the most important topics for regulatory purposes in Indonesia. Nuclear security measures exist to prevent, detect, and respond to unauthorized removal of radioactive material and the sabotage of nuclear and radiation facilities. Indonesia participates in bilateral and multilateral cooperation and international events such as the Nuclear Security Summit. Indonesia has also ratified several international instruments related to nuclear security. Based on commitment to international events and ratification, Indonesia has developed nuclear security infrastructures by strengthening legislation and regulation, enhancing building capacity, and strengthening equipment and facilities. Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir (BAPETEN) is Indonesia’s nuclear energy …

Modified Fault Tree Method For Vulnerability Analysis Of Nuclear Medicine Facility Security System Case Study: Radiotherapy Facility, Sardjito General Hospital, Haryono Budi Santosa

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Assessing the vulnerability of physical protection systems (PPS) in nuclear medicine facilities is needed to prevent a security incident that could lead to the malicious use of nuclear material. Theft and sabotage of nuclear materials is becoming globally recognized. The current methods of assessing vulnerability tend to be oriented toward complex nuclear security; consequently, it is excessive to use such methods in simple facilities (i.e., radiotherapy facilities in hospitals).

The fault tree analysis is a method to assess vulnerability for a simple nuclear facility. The method’s primary events (i.e., basic events and undeveloped events) are able to accommodate fault causes …

Nuclear Security Culture And Batan’S Assessment: Batan’S Experience, Anhar R. Antariksawan

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Organizations should increase safety to minimize the harmful effects of nuclear materials. Additionally, organizations should take measures to protect security culture within the organization itself. This paper covers the National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia’s (BATAN’s) promotion of nuclear security culture and self- assessment projects, which is based on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) methodology.

Opportunities And Challenges In Developing Nuclear Security In Africa, James Larkin Mfr

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Those involved in nuclear security recognize that regions of significant instability in Africa have an impact on the safety and security of the continent's nuclear material and un-enriched uranium; however, some countries outside of continental Africa have taken counterproductive approaches to this issue. Despite challenges, the nuclear security community continues to develop and apply appropriate levels of nuclear security where needed. The community also takes every opportunity to make significant contributions to the global discourse on nuclear security culture.

Table Of Contents

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

From The Editor’S Desk

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.

Nuclear Security Risk Analysis: An Insider-Outsider Collusion Scenario, Mohammad A. Hawila, Sunil S. Chirayath

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This study analyses the vulnerability of the physical protection system (PPS) deployed at a hypothetical facility. The PPS is designed to prevent and eliminate threats to nuclear materials and facilities. The analysis considers possible outsider and insider threats. A modified adversary sequence diagram (ASD) evaluates threat pathways to test an insider-outsider collusion case. The ASD also measures the probability of adversary interruption by demonstrating the methodology for a typical nuclear facility.

Khalifa University Reachback Program Supporting Prevention Of Illicit Nuclear And Radiological Material Smuggling In The United Arab Emirates, Braden Goddard, Alexander A. Solodov, Patrick J. Simmons

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Trafficking of Illicit nuclear or radiological materials is a global threat which can involve and adversely affect any country. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each state to prevent and combat illicit nuclear trafficking by screening all cargo and travelers entering, exiting, and transiting through its borders. As a part of the national radiation detection infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a reachback program was established at Khalifa University (KU) to provide capabilities for adjudication of radiation alarms at Khalifa Port and other radiation portal monitor (RPM) locations. In addition to the main mission, KU Reachback aims to educate …

Letter From The Editor - Hirst, Russel K. Hirst

International Journal of Nuclear Security

No abstract provided.