Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

Mechanical And Neutronic Properties Of Neutron Absorbing Materials, Donald James Buth

Masters Theses

“The primary neutron absorbing material examined in this project was Boraflex™, which consists of a silicone polymer with boron carbide acting as the neutron absorber. Two aluminum based neutron absorbers, Boral™ and Al-B-Ten, were also examined. Both X-ray and neutron radiography were used to examine the Boraflex™. The neutron radiography gave better resolution in detecting fluctuations in the boron carbide distribution; however, X-ray radiography did perform better in detecting flaws in the base material. Tensile tests were performed to determine the uniformity of Boraflex™'s tensile properties. The average tensile strength was calculated to be 303 ± 15 psi. A small …

Dimensional Change Correlations For 20% Cold Worked Aisi 316 Stainless Steel For Fusion Applications, Robert Wayne Clark

Masters Theses

"Dimensional instability of structural components in a fusion reactor Is expected to occur during Its operation. This expectation is based upon experience with fast reactors In the United States, France and United Kingdom. Correlations for void swelling and Irradiation creep are developed in this thesis for 20% cold worked AISI 316 Stainless Steel for fusion applications.

The sensitivities of swelling to variations in composition, fabrication and the Irradiation environment I le al roost exclusively in the duration of the transient regime of swelling. Irradiation creep rates at high exposures are also expected to exhibit a similar parametric insensitivity, largely because …

Fuel Loading For A Low-Leakage Core In A Pressurized Water Reactor, Omar Ivan Aguilar

Masters Theses

"A study of low-leakage core fuel loading as a means to reduce fast neutron flux incident upon the pressure vessel is presented. The specific case under study is Cycle 5 of Arkansas Nuclear One - Unit Two (ANO-2), a Combustion Engineering Pressurized Water Reactor. Neutron transport calculations were performed using the DOT two-dimensional transport code. The results from DOT provide the angular distribution of the fast neutron flux at the surface of the pressure vessel.

Seven different fuel loading schemes were studied and compared to the Reference Case. The angular distribution of the fast neutron flux for all cases studied …

Numerical Simulation Of Mixing Processes In Two-Dimensional Channel Flows, Milan Karel Straka

Doctoral Dissertations

"Recently, considerable interest has arisen in the numerical simulation of laminar and turbulent transport phenomena. More knowledge in this field is needed to improve predictions of heat and mass transfer processes in a variety of technical fields.

In this work a new computationally efficient transport model is developed. It consists of partially parabolized time-dependent equations of motion, continuity, and concentration of nonconservative species. Pertinent equations are solved numerically for both laminar and turbulent flow.

Results of calculations of laminar flow in the entry region of a parallel-plate channel agree well with the work of other authors. For turbulent flows, the …

Evaluation Of A Near-Surface Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility For The State Of Missouri, Christine Lang Nelson

Masters Theses

"A low-level radioactive waste disposal facility for the state of Missouri Is designed. The proposed facility Is to be placed in a mined opening within a Precambrian granite outcrop in southeastern Missouri.

A safety assessment of the proposed facility was performed. The method used was fault tree analysis.

The threat of seismic activity within the region ls seen to be the main determent to the proposed design. Groundwater modelling was not possible due to a lack of data.

The facility design Includes a provision for the retrieval of the low-level waste once the waste has decayed to acceptable levels"-- Abstract, …

The Compositional And Temperature Dependence Of Radiation-Induced Void Nucleation And Swelling In Austenitic Alloys, Bahram Esmailzadeh

Masters Theses

"The objective of this study is to introduce a model which can demonstrate the major features of the compositional and temperature dependence of radiation-induced swelling of austenitic alloys. The effective vacancy diffusion coefficient, D_V^eff, is the prime variable explored in this study. Variations in D_V^eff with composition and/or irradiation temperature are used along with the KWR nucleation theory to determine the subsequent effects of these variables on the void nucleation rate and the duration of the transient regime. The materials chosen for this study are nickel (Ni) and the Ni-Si, Fe-Ni-Cr and Fe-Ni-Cr-Si alloy systems. …

A Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Single Phase Flow Through A Small Centrifugal Pump In Three Quadrants Of Operation, Lee Charles Cadwallader

Masters Theses

"The operating characteristics of a conventional centrifugal pump have been investigated, both theoretically and experimentally, in three modes of operation with single phase liquid water at atmospheric pressure and room temperature.

Simple one-dimensional theory has been used to evaluate the theoretical pump performance, and these evaluations are compared to actual experimental data. The actual data shows the degradation effects of flow friction and shock losses that the theory does not take into account. The comparison of the curves illustrates these differences.

The data obtained compares well to and reinforces data from experiments found in the literature review.

Based on the …

Analyzing And Predicting Natural Circulation In A Snupps's Pwr Using "Retran-01", Roger Lee Boyer

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this project is to predict the natural circulation start-up test for the Standardized Nuclear Unit Power Plant System (SNUPPS). In order to make this prediction, a best-estimate, thermal-hydraulic computer code called RETRAN-01 is used.

The start-up test procedures require the simultaneous tripping of all four reactor coolant pumps (RCPs). Natural circulation is confirmed when the three test acceptance criteria have been met. Since this transient is symmetrical, a one-loop approximation of the Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS) is normally considered adequate in the nuclear industry. However, there is a concern over how to model the four actual …

Comparative Study Of The Boundary Element Technique And The Finite Element Method In Two Dimensional Eigenvalue Problem, Farough Baradari

Doctoral Dissertations

"In this work we investigate the applicability of a "Boundary Element method 11 for the numerical solution of the Liouville and Helmholtz eigenvalue problem for different two-dimensional geometries including a typical reactor configuration. The method is based on the discretization of the unknown along the boundary and Green's function representation of the governing equation.

To compare the capability of this method with the finite element method, a finite element code which uses quadratic quadrilateral isoperimetric elements was developed. A boundary element code was also written. These codes were used to determine the fundamental eigenvalue for several two-dimensional geometries -- square, …

Optical Filtering Element Including Fluorescent Material, Gary Edward Mueller

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Optical filtering elements having two opposed surfaces and including at least one thin layer of stable non-reflective fluorescent material provide transparent articles which, when exposed to incident electromagnetic radiation at one surface of the fluorescent layer, absorb certain wavelengths within the fluorescent layer and emit other wavelengths at the opposed surface of the fluorescent layer. In preferred embodiments, when radiation (light) in the visible range (about 400 nm to about 700 nm) is incident on the element from one side, certain wavelengths of radiation which transverse the element are absorbed in the fluorescent layer and other radiation of greater, but …

Optical Filtering Element, Gary Edward Mueller, Timothy D. Ziebarth

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Optical filtering elements having two opposed surfaces and including at least one thin layer of stable non-reflective fluorescent material provide transparent articles which, when exposed to incident electromagnetic radiation at one surface of the fluorescent layer, absorb certain wavelengths within the fluorescent layer and emit other wavelengths at the opposed surface of the fluorescent layer. In preferred embodiments, when radiation (light) in the visible range (about 400 nm to about 700 nm) is incident on the element from one side, certain wavelengths of radiation which transverse the element are absorbed in the fluorescent layer and other radiation of greater, but …

The Effect Of Availability Improvement Of A Nuclear Power Plant On The Cost Of Generating Electricity, Seyyed Mohammad Reza Nejat

Doctoral Dissertations

"The objective of this investigation is to study the economic benefits in operating a nuclear power plant as a result of improving the availability of the secondary (steam) loop of the plant. A new method has been developed to obtain availability, frequency of failure, probability and frequency of operation, cycle time, and uptime for different capacity states of a parallel-series system having components with failure and repair rates distributed exponentially. The method has been applied to different subsystems, systems, and the secondary loop as a whole. The effect of having spare parts for several components, as measured by savings in …

An Alternate High Pressure Injection System For Pressurized-Water Reactors, Gary Edward Mueller

Doctoral Dissertations

"To evaluate the In-Core Injection System (ICIS) performance during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) due to a major rupture in the primary system of a pressurized water reactor (PWR), tests were conducted using the thermal-hydraulic computer code RELAP4/MOD5.

The results for the overall plant system show that the maximum core average fuel cladding temperature reached during an intermediate size cold-leg break in a Combustion Engineering PWR with ICIS is equal to the initial operating temperature of 335°c (636°F). The maximum core average fuel cladding temperature reached during a large size cold-leg break with ICIS is 478°c (893°F). This temperature is approximately …

The Role Of The Civex Process In The Nuclear Industry, Thomas E. Eaton, Joseph C. Carter

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The United States is committed to policies which would assure that the international, commercial nuclear industry cannot be exploited as a source of materials for nuclear weapons. The Civex process provides for a proliferation-resistant fast breeder reactor fuel cycle. Nevertheless, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation involving the commercial nuclear industry is small compared to the risk associated with certain research facilities and military activities.

A Strategy For The Practical Utilization Of Thorium Fuel Cycles, Paul R. Kasten

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

There has been increasing interest in the utilization of thorium fuel cycles in nuclear power reactors for the past few years because of economic, fuel utilization, and pro- 1 iteration resistance factors. Also, it appears desirable to maintain the ratio of thermal reactors to fast reactors at a high value in the long term because of economic and proliferation resistance features. The analysis performed here concludes that the practical, early utilization of thorium fuel cycles in power reactors requires commercialization of HTGRs operating first on stowaway fuel cycles, followed by thorium fuel recycle. In the longer term, thorium utilization involves …

Utilization Of Waste Heat From The University Of Missouri Research Reactor., Anek Punyakumleard

Masters Theses

"An analysis has been conducted to determine the economic as well as technical feasibility of using waste heat from the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) to heat the reactor containment building and the associated laboratory building.

Several methods of waste heat utilization were reviewed, including open field agriculture, animal shelter heating, aquaculture, waste water treatment, and space heating. Based on this review, it was concluded that several of these waste heat utilization methods are feasible for the MURR. However, the most practical means of utilizing the MURR waste heat appears to be for space heating in the reactor containment …

The Environmental Effects Of Uranium Exploration And Mining, Nicholas H. Tibbs, David L. Rath, Thomas K. Donovan

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Uranium exploration and mining is increasing as the Nation's demand for energy grows. The environmental impacts associated with this exploration and mining are not severe and compare favorably with impacts from the production of other energy resources.

Dissolution Of Kansas Evaporites, The Radioactive Waste Disposal Problem, Barbara J. Smith

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The radioactive waste repository at Lyons, Kansas, focused attention on the problem of evaporite dissolution. More study is needed in the determination of the mechanisms responsible for deterioration. Also recent water use policies have been questioned with the need pointed out for increased effectiveness in planning. Good water planning has to take into account the role of evaporite dissolution in water quality.

The Energy Needs Of The Developing Countries, Vaman Rao

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The energy needs of the developing countries are enormous. They will grow with the passage of time as the pace of economic development accelerates and those countries enter the industrial epoch. The sheer physical non-availability of coal and petroleum to most of them makes it obligatory to choose an unconventional resource as an energy-base. The nuclear fission is the only option now available which is feasible, less-expensive and plentiful. Solar and fusion may be the ultimate sources in the steady state, when appropriate technologies are developed.

4th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

No abstract provided.

The Energy Crisis: The Challenge For Nuclear Regulation, Richard T. Kennedy

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be with you again this year for your annual conference and to see so many familiar faces. Your theme -- "The Energy Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here?" -- is particularly pertinent. And, I am especially honored to be lead-off speaker on a subject of such importance to all Americans.

When I spoke to you last year, I discussed the joint efforts by the NRC and the States to reduce the overlap and duplication in reactor regulation. Today, I want to bring all of you up …

A Strategy For Utilizing Nuclear Power, Edward J. Martens

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

One of our national goals is to achieve independence in the area of energy supplies in the next few years. We believe that attaining this goal will require extensive utilization of nuclear power in conventional fission reactors. We propose that the best way to develop our nuclear resource is through government ownership of the reactors. We argue that this will minimize the risks associated with the nuclear power option and clear the way for its exploitation.

Comparison Of Nuclear And Coal Power Plants Using Net Energy Analysis, Nicholas Tsoulfanidis, Gazendra Suwal

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Net Energy Analysis has been used to compare coal and nuclear power plants. Net Energy Analysis is a method by which a system is studied in terms of the energy needed to construct and operate every unit or item associated with that system, its effects to the environment and the energy produced by the system. The results of the comparison are expressed as the ratio of the total energy output divided by the total energy input.

Attitudes Towards Quality In The Design And Construction Of Nuclear Power Plants, Daniel L. Babcock, Larry G. Harmon

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Adequate regulation of construction (and operation) of nuclear power plants has become a matter of growing national concern. Published statements by individuals speaking from two viewpoints, those of the regulatory agencies and the nuclear power industry, suggest divergent attitudes. Nineteen statements from these two points of view were evaluated for agreement or disagreement by 38 knowledgeable persons from both industry and government (of 50 solicited in a mail survey). Survey results showed a general appreciation of the need for some level of regulation and also for the possibility of over-regulation. Differences existed within as well as between the two groups, …

Plutonium Assessment Modeling -- Government Policy, Non-Proliferation, And The Government Fence, Harold A. Kurstedt Jr., Joel A. Nachlas

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Assessment modeling for the evaluation of plutonium as an energy resource is stressed, and generic mathematical model forms are outlined. Representative necessary objective functions are developed. Constraints and assumptions are listed. An example involving present-day light water reactor technology is demonstrated. Technical, environmental, and political implications are drawn. Specific new directions for analysis are suggested. The position of the boundary of government control and responsibility -- the government exclusion fence -- is shown to be a critical, but overlooked, constraint. Existing governmental uranium stockpiles may be an unmentioned, though important, constraint.

A Fluid Control System For The University Of Missouri--Rolla Nuclear Reactor, Billy Roger Mcpherson

Masters Theses

"Solid control rods and their movement through a reactor core present problems inherent in any moving machinery. The problems of binding, wear, and noise have to be dealt with in the usage of a solid control rod system. Therefore, an alternate system that eliminates or minimizes these problems would lower maintenance costs, extend the lifetime of the control system, and produce safer operating conditions.

This thesis presents a control system that has no moving parts inside the reactor core. The system is based upon a neutron-absorbing fluid containe��d in hollow tubes in the reactor core. The fluid level is operated …

Energy Conservation In Uniroyal, Inc., John C. Madigan

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

In the last year, rapid developments have led to the establishment of industry conservation goals and monitoring by the Department of Commerce and the Federal Energy Administration via the various industry associations.

Since 1972, Uniroyal has progressed more than half way toward the 1980 goal of 15% established for the rubber and chemical industries. This paper will describe details of the program with emphasis on new input, such as the computerized tracking method now in use.

Plant studies have provided an assessment of "base" loads vs. process loads, important when considering unit energy consumption. These vary, particularly with the climate …

The Energy Conservation Implications Of Master Metering Of Electric Service In Apartments, Gordon Gross

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A study has been made of the difference in electricity usage between residents of "Electricity included" apartments and those tenants who pay individual "light bills." The factors which influence owners' and builders' choices of metering service are discussed in detail.

Data taken from over 100 apartment buildings or complexes in 10 major U.S. metropolitan areas and from over 50 major electric power companies are used as the basis for the reported results. Contractors estimates of the costs to convert building service from master to individual meter and some bases for these costs are presented.

The energy conservation potential which might …

Energy Conservation Program At Ralston Purina, George A. Bossman

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

While the food industry as a whole uses only about 5 per cent of total manufacturing energy, we at Ralston Purina Company recognize our dependence upon energy and the importance of a strong energy management program. Last year, as part of this program, we established and implemented an energy conservation program designed to identify opportunities for conservation.

The major thrust of this program has been directed at manufacturing facilities where usages can be traced, wastes detected, and appropriate action taken. These are separate from a general overall corporate effort to make employees more energy conscious in every phase of their …

Energy Management In The Food Store, Paul Adams

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Food store refrigeration is vital to the food distribution system and consumes much of the energy used in a supermarket. The manufacturers of food store display equipment have worked long and hard to develop new ideas in supermarket energy conservation. Hussmann's studies have uncovered a number of facts invaluable to anyone concerned with energy conservation in the supermarket.

The first fact is to realize that supermarkets are different from any other retail stores. They consume more energy each year per sq. ft. of store - or per customer - or per dollar sales than other retail stores and most commercial …