Digital Commons Network^™

A Review And Analysis Of Nuclear Hydrogen Production In Generation Iv Reactors, Arijit Saha Ayon, Ashiqur Rahman Alif, A. S. M. Nasim

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Hydrogen is becoming increasingly vital as a chemical element in the progress of human civilization. Hydrogen finds application in the creation of ammonia, the manufacturing of nitrogen-based fertilizers, and a wide range of organic compounds, including methanol and propulsion fuel for space exploration missions. Additionally, there are ongoing experiments in the automotive industry to harness hydrogen-based fuel cells as an alternative power source. In modern technology, multiple methods and strategies for hydrogen production originate from diverse sources, such as fossil fuels, renewable energy, nuclear energy, and more. Generation IV nuclear reactors significantly affect the production of hydrogen. These reactors operate …

Modeling And Analysis Of Neutron Flux Of A Vver 1200 Reactor Core Using Monte Carlo Code Openmc, K. M. Rakib Al Hasan, Dr. Debashis Datta, Altab Hossain

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Nuclear reactors and their associated facilities are complex systems that require accurate modeling and analysis to ensure safety, security, and efficient operation. This study aims to model and analyze the neutron flux of a generic VVER 1200 reactor core using the Monte Carlo code OpenMC. For the purpose of this analysis, a generic model of the VVER 1200 reactor core was developed using an OpenMC simulation environment. Furthermore, using this model, the neutron flux spectrum inside the reactor core was evaluated, from which neutron fluence was calculated accordingly. This study analyzed the effect of neutron flux on the developed model …

Safety And Security Analysis Of Vver-1200 Reactor Pressure Vessel Under Pressurized Thermal Shock, Mohammed Sarim Salman Karim, Dr. Debashis Datta, Altab Hossain

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is an important component of a nuclear power plant and of great concern to safety and security globally. Thus, the thermal system of an RPV should be ensured properly through an evaluation system that closely monitors and considers its integrity. This article describes the thermomechanical analyses for a pressurized thermal shock (PTS) scenario of a VVER-1200 RPV owing to a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) and activation of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS). The LOCA transient and activation of ECCS are modeled using ANSYS simulation software. From the analyses of the emergency core cooling …

Design And Development Of A Radiation Survey And Rescue Robot With Shielding Of Electronic Equipment From Radiation Damage With Image Radiation Mapping Facility, Md. Sifatul Muktadir, Md. Nazmul Hassan, Md. Saimon Siddique, Dewan Nazmun Nur, Altab Hossain, Ahnaf Tahmid Chowdhury

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The use of remote-controlled robots in emergency fields is a necessary requirement at present, which includes the nuclear engineering field because the radioactive environment creates adverse effects on human health. This work describes the development of a remotely controlled rover capable of detecting ionizing radiation, isolating radiation sources using a robotic arm, and sufficient shielding for its internal components. A custom-made Geiger–Muller counter has been used to detect ionizing radiation. The radioactive environment is not only harmful for humans but also can cause severe damage to the electronic circuit mounted on the robot. Therefore, a custom concrete material sandwiched between …

Safety Analysis In Ap-1000 Nuclear Power Plant Against Primary Loop Coolant Pump And Fuel Failures, Fabiano Gibson Daud Thulu, Hailemichael Guadie Mengsitu, Chifundo Tenthani, Paul Stone Macheso

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This study focused on the best-estimated thermal-hydraulic calculations performed regarding the AP-1000 nuclear power plant (NPP) under primary coolant loop pump and fuel failures. Primary coolant pump and fuel failure transients are important design-basis accidents in NPP safety assessments. This work examined the primary reactor’s safety margins of fuel and cladding peak temperature, primary and secondary loop pressure, hydrogen formation, and primary and secondary flow rates. The Adaptive System Thermal-Hydraulics program was used in the simulation and event progression analysis. The results showed that the peak fuel surface temperature was kept below the licensing design limit. No observation of corium …

Threat Modeling Based On A Design Basis Threat For Nuclear Security, Abu Zafor Mohammad Salahuddin, Altab Hossain, Mohammad Shawkat Akbar

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Identification of the design basis threat (DBT) of a nuclear facility is an important factor of overall safety, for which the operator is mainly responsible per the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency. As threat levels increase especially threats beyond the DBT-the responsibility of the state also increases. In recent years, only a few studies on nuclear security and DBTs have comprehensively detailed the full spectrum of nuclear facilities in a nation. Thus, this paper presents the correlation between an actual threat and the DBT. The objectives of the study are to assist in establishing physical protection system (PPS) …

Multilayer Shielding Design And Analysis Of Optimal Thickness For The Storage Of Highly Radioactive Sources Concerning Environmental Safety, Md. Mahfuzul Haque Rafi, Asma Ul Husna, Abdus Sattar Mollah

International Journal of Nuclear Security

As a kind of radiological protection, multilayer shielding is superior to a single-layer shield in terms of blocking off radiation. This study examined a multilayer shielding strategy to protect employees from potentially harmful gamma radiation from highly radioactive sources such as ⁶⁰Co. This paper presents a novel strategy for cost-effective and environmentally safe radiation protection by aligning expensive and heavy materials such as W and Pb to improve their effectiveness and limit exposure below the occupational dose. The largely unpublished set of final exposure rates for the W–Pb–Fe combination was calculated by the numerical interpolation method in MATLAB software. …

From Norms Taker To Norms Breaker: A Comparative Study Of Turkey’S Nuclear Discourses Before And After The Ostensible Coup Of 2016, Sarah Tzinieris, Zenobia S. Homan, Cem Boke, Amna Javed

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This article offers an analysis of public statements made by Turkish government leaders, contrasting official attitudes on nuclear nonproliferation before and after the alleged military coup attempt in 2016. Significant developments in this period include deteriorating democracy and the rule of law in Turkey and the emergence of destabilizing foreign policy differences between Turkey and Western states. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also sought to consolidate domestic power and play a more assertive security role in the Middle East. This analysis of official statements reveals a distinct shift in Turkey’s nonproliferation rhetoric after the 2016 coup. In particular, Turkish government ministers …

A Case Study Assessing The Integration Of Nuclear Safety And Security In Facilities Using A Monte Carlo Simulation Aided Analytical Hierarchy Process, Theodore A. Thomas, Shraddha Rane, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Nuclear safety and security are essential in all operations using nuclear and radioactive materials. Even though both elements are important, the evolution of these programs has not developed at the same rate. As such, their integration has been met with challenges. This study analyzed the potential for synergy across different criteria and settings when integrating nuclear safety and security. The criteria included eight points where overlap could be identified between nuclear safety and security. Three work settings—industrial, medical, and research—were evaluated. Responses were collected from nine individuals who worked with nuclear materials in various capacities and different nuclear work settings. …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Nuclear Security Training And Education In Ghana, Michael Nii Sanka Ansah, Boris Stepanov Pavlovich, Paul Atta Amoah, David Okoh Kpeglo, Simon Adu, Bright Kwame Afornu

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Growing attention is being given to nuclear power across several African countries, including in Ghana. The world is depending on nuclear energy as a reliable and efficient means of energy generation. Ghana as a country is developing nuclear energy; thus, equal attention must be directed toward nuclear safety and security. Ghana is gradually developing interest in and is devoting substantial required resources to educating and training on nuclear security to meet the standards required by international bodies. Institutions such as the Nuclear Safety and Security Centre and the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission …

Tests Of A Gamma Spectrometer-Neutron Counter Relationship As A Neutron Alarm Metric In Mobile Radiation Search Systems, Jackson N. Wagner, Craig Marianno

International Journal of Nuclear Security

A mobile radiological search system (MRSS) is frequently used in nuclear security to interdict illicit nuclear material. One difficulty an MRSS faces is in characterizing its detectors’ background responses, particularly in its neutron counter(s). This difficulty adds complications to identifying the presence of neutron-emitting radiological materials during an operation. Fortunately, previous work has identified a power law relationship between muons registered by the MRSS’s gamma detectors and background neutrons. This relationship can be applied to estimate the MRSS’s background neutron count rate using that muon count rate. To test the usability of such an estimate, an MRSS was used to …

The Language Of Nuclear Security: New Case Studies Exploring Online Open-Source Information From Turkey, India, And Jordan, Zenobia S. Homan, Shraddha Rane, Yara Shaban, Fadime Ö. Özkan, Eunha Yun

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This paper presents a novel internet search methodology and new data on the language of nuclear security. Through three case studies (Turkey, India, and Jordan), it describes what openly accessible information exists about nuclear security in a given national context, where more information is needed, and why. In doing so, the paper highlights the importance of documenting the social and geopolitical context of key nuclear concepts. It also examines the role of language and publicly available information on nuclear security and safety to facilitate the articulation and adoption of international best practices.

The case studies demonstrate how someone may acquire …

Lessons In Building Professional Networks During Times Of Crisis And Their Impact On Nuclear Security Culture: The Case Of The Black Sea Women In Nuclear Network, Margarita Kalinina-Pohl, Zenobia S. Homan, Olga Martin, Nataliia Klos, Adeline Du Crest, Ina Grigalashvili, Mădălina Ștefanic, Şebnem Udum

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This paper describes the establishment of a new professional network for women in nuclear that represents the interests of professionals in the Black Sea region. The paper examines the benefits of creating and sustaining professional networks for women, and it underlines the role of such networks in strengthening regional security culture during times of crisis using the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network (BSWN) as a case study. In general, the network provides an interdisciplinary platform for professionals to promote gender equity and increase women’s leadership roles, as well as professional exchanges, mentoring, and training opportunities. More specifically, since its …

Nuclear Security: Making Gender Equality A Working Reality, Muhammed Ali Alkış, Polina Sinovets

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Gender equality is an indispensable part of both democracy and justice, and it is fundamental to peace and security worldwide. As various research on gender equality has shown, teams with diversity, equity, and inclusion achieve the best outcomes. Having gender equality and women’s presence in the workforce in nuclear fields is a requirement to contribute to peace and security discussions, adding value and sustaining policies and long-lasting positive outcomes. In this regard, the paper will discuss the importance of gender equality and why the Odesa Center for Nonproliferation has committed itself to this issue. The article also details the Odesa …

Nuclear Security In Conflict Zones: The Dangerous Case Of Zaporizhzhia, Maria Kurando

International Journal of Nuclear Security

As critical components of a state’s energy supply, nuclear power plants (NPPs) can become strategic and tactical targets in military conflicts—or can suffer collateral damage as a result of shelling in the vicinity. Military action jeopardizes the peaceful use of nuclear facilities and hinders their safe and secure operation, increasing the risks of dangerous forces releases. Nuclear security constitutes defense against a vast range of threats, such as theft and illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials, their use by non-state actors, nuclear and radiological terrorism, and attacks on nuclear facilities. However, the case of hostilities around Zaporizhzhia NPP …

Women In Nuclear Power Programs: Case Studies From Africa, Jessica S. Burniske, Chanel Chauvet-Maldonado, Beth Kaboro, Madalina Man, Susan Nalumansi

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Approximately 30 countries are considering, planning, or starting nuclear power programs, and nearly 20 more countries have expressed interest in nuclear power. Most of these countries are nuclear newcomers. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a nuclear power program is a major undertaking requiring careful planning, preparation, and investments in institutions and human resources because of the safety, security, and safeguards requirements associated with the use of nuclear energy. The IAEA Milestones Approach states that states should follow three phases of development to establish the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear power program. Nuclear security is one of the …

Connecting Nuclear Security To International Frameworks On Gender And Security, Kathleen A. Doty, Jessica S. Burniske

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The international community is slowly beginning to recognize the intersections between law and policy as it relates to international security—particularly arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament—and the body of human rights law that addresses gender equality. Notably absent from this discussion is the field of nuclear security. Despite its historical underpinnings as an inherently domestic activity, nuclear security is thoroughly grounded in international treaty law. However, nuclear security is often overlooked in the international security context and has not been well-situated in international instruments that address gender equality. We argue that gender equality in nuclear security should be understood as an …

Opportunities For Linking Women, Peace And Security To The Us Department Of Energy, Maryann E. Gallagher, Elizabeth Howell

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In October 2000, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). To date, more than half (107) of all United Nations member states have adopted National Action Plans to address the experiences of women and girls in conflict and their security needs as required by the resolution. The United States is among them, with the US Department of Defense, US Department of State, US Agency for International Development, and US Department of Homeland Security each issuing their own implementation plans for WPS. Importantly, the US Department of Energy (DOE), and most especially, the …

Gender Undone: Confronting Bias In The Nuclear Field, Sneha Nair, Christina Mcallister, Annina Pluff, Katherine C. Mack

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In the face of evolving security needs, diversity is critical in nonproliferation, nuclear security, and other related fields. Despite multiple studies highlighting the need for gender balance and diversity in the nuclear nonproliferation and security space and targeted recruitment and capacity-building efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency and states, gains in the representation of women (as well as historically underrepresented groups) have been set back by the gendered effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and slow cultural change at nuclear facilities and organizations. This issue is in large part due to the inability of initiatives aimed at diversity, equity, inclusion, …

Women As A Force Multiplier For Bringing Nuclear Forensic Capabilities To The International Stage, Heather M. Dion, Caterina Fox, Kim Knight, Anne Phillip

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In 2009, the US Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program initiated a new nuclear forensics outreach effort under its Confidence Building Measures Program. Little did they know that the timing could not have been better. This article focuses on the early years (2009–2015) of the NNSA’s international nuclear forensics outreach, specifically the efforts and experiences of the women who helped establish this program, building it from a fledgling, bilateral effort into an enduring technical capacity provider engaging with dozens of countries and multilateral organizations. At the onset of the program, nuclear forensics was an …

Perception Of Nuclear Security As A Barrier To Female Representation In Africa, Primerose Ruhukwa Ms

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Women are strongly underrepresented in the nuclear energy sector, particularly in the field of Nuclear security. Regardless of several government efforts to increase the number of women in this field, which include gender balance polices, education, and awareness campaigns, the nuclear security industry remains a male-dominated field. The reason why nuclear security is shunned by most women in Africa is because of an incorrect perception of what nuclear security is. When a lay person hears the term nuclear, the first thing that comes to mind is nuclear weapons, and many are quick to judge, saying that Africa does not …

Assessing Nuclear Security Risks In Pakistan, Sitara Noor

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Pakistan’s nuclear program and perceived nuclear security concerns have attracted global attention. The varying concerns range from the potential theft of nuclear weapons or materials to the unauthorized use of a nuclear device to terrorist groups taking control of the Pakistani government. The enduring debate, however, has oscillated between these doomsday scenarios and some optimistic considerations, where various quarters have shared their satisfaction over Pakistan’s nuclear security regime and its ability to deal with the emerging challenges. To address the evolving nature of these threats, Pakistan is constantly improving its nuclear security infrastructure. It has established a comprehensive legislative and …

The Perils Of Non-State Actors In Pakistan: Assessing The Risks Of Nuclear Safety And Security, Iftikhar Ali, Muhammad Sadiq

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Pakistan is facing security problems on multiple fronts, including economic default, social fragmentation, poor civil–military relations, political polarization, and environmental degradation. However, the biggest security threat comes from non-state actors (NSAs) and terrorism. Using empirical evidence, this research paper evaluates the risk of nuclear terrorism by NSAs in Pakistan. It adopts an interpretive approach to examine international concerns regarding nuclear security in Pakistan. The study focuses on the potential for technology and weapon-usable materials to fall into the hands of violent NSAs. It concludes that, despite ongoing security challenges, Pakistan has taken steps to strengthen its legislative and institutional measures …

Adapting Nuclear Security Education Programs In Arab Countries, Ahmed Ahmed M. Alqasimi Alanazi, Mostafa Kofi

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Recent times have witnessed considerable international efforts in developing and supporting nuclear security education. However, Arab countries continue to face certain obstacles in the development and implementation of nuclear security education programs. By providing an overview of the nuclear security program at Naif Arab University for Security Science, this study highlights the hurdles faced by Arab countries in implementing new academic programs and improving the quality of current programs in nuclear security. It also discusses the state of the art in nuclear security education and highlights important issues related to such education in the Arab world. However, the influence of …

Use Of Research As A Tool To Enhance Nuclear Security Education, Mostafa Kofi, Zenobia S. Homan, Jason Timothy Harris, Lamiaa E. Fiala Prof.

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Introduction: Nuclear security education covers essential topics related to the security of nuclear materials. In order to provide effective training, educators are faced with the challenge of improving the trainees’ ability to retain and utilize knowledge. This project investigated whether academic research is beneficial for educators seeking to enhance nuclear security education.

Methods: A survey using Google Forms was sent to nuclear security educators in academic and research institutes. The survey included questions on their experience with different aspects of nuclear security education, how research may influence nuclear security education, and how to increase knowledge retention.

Results: In total, 45 …

Book Review Of "The International Atomic Energy Agency: Historical Reflections, Current Challenges And Future Prospects", Ágota Duró

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Edited by Joseph F. Pilat and published by Routledge, The International Atomic Energy Agency: Historical Reflections, Current Challenges and Future Prospects is an insightful and illuminating book. This collection is an updated and expanded version of 16 papers, as well as the keynote address, presented at the 2017 Conference on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC.

A Letter From The Ijns Issue 7.1 Davis Editorial Fellow, Rachel Brooks

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The Davis Editor for Volume 7, Rachel Brooks, reflects on her time as Davis Editor and summarizes the contents of Issue 7.1.

Threat Of Nuclear Terrorism: The Developing Nuclear Security Regime, Muhammed Ali Alkış

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Terrorism has always been a part of human history in various forms. However, it had not been such a clear and present danger until the 9/11 attacks. After the 9/11 attacks, terrorism evolved into a new kind of terrorism only aiming to change a system with sensational attacks that cause so many deaths. Today, it poses a threat in the form of nuclear terrorism. Its potential rate of lethality could not be compared with any other forms of terrorism if terrorists managed to detonate an intact nuclear weapon or an improvised nuclear device. In addition, the psychological effects of sabotaging …

Ready For Nuclear Energy?: A Policy Review Of The Philippines’ Nuclear Energy Plan And Participation In The Asean Network Of Regulatory Bodies On Atomic Energy, Julius Cesar Trajano

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Recently, the Philippines has been demonstrating its interest in using nuclear energy, including addressing issues and gaps in its nuclear energy preparations, several of which fall under nuclear security, nuclear emergency preparedness and response, and regulatory capacity. This article argues that the ASEAN member states’ growing regional cooperation in nuclear safety and security, spearheaded by the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), can have a strong positive impact on the Philippines’ nuclear energy preparations. ASEANTOM’s regional activities and projects can help the Philippines address some of the current critical gaps and issues in its nuclear energy preparatory …

An Overview Of Approaches To Nuclear Security In Ghana, Raymond Agalga, Paul Atta Amoah, Daniel Nii Adjei, Daniel Frederick Charles, Emmanuel Ofori Darko

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Ghana has significantly improved its nuclear security infrastructure over the years. However, as threats increase by the day and new applications of nuclear and radiological technology are designed and implemented, Ghana must develop a rigid and comprehensive approach to mitigating the negative impacts on its nuclear security while improving prevention, detection, and deterrence of nuclear and radiological terrorism within its geographical space. This paper overviews the approaches adopted by Ghana to build a strong nuclear security regime within the past decade. These include improving legal frameworks for nuclear security by establishing an independent Nuclear Regulatory Authority; assessing nuclear security culture …