Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

Saudi Arabian Universities' Need For A Nuclear Security Educational Textbook: A Systematic Review, Faisal Bin Nasser Sarbaland, Takaaki Sakai

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Nuclear security education is a critical element in ensuring the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, where the demand for energy is increasing. This systematic review explores the current needs for nuclear security educational materials in Saudi Arabian universities, focusing on the development of a specialized textbook for this purpose. The review addresses the increasing global demand for nuclear security professionals and highlights the gaps in educational resources available in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Using a thematic analysis of existing educational programs and curricula from various international institutions, the paper …

Analysis Of Nuclear Security And Safety Integration Using Survey Responses And Pairwise Comparison Methods, Sheila V. Gbormittah, Theodore A. Thomas, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Integrating nuclear security and safety is important for implementing and sustaining nuclear technology because it promises improved and effective management. This integration is an ongoing effort to ensure that both work together with minimal conflicts. This research aimed to determine the preferred level at which nuclear security and nuclear safety integrate by using the pairwise comparison methods of decision-making. This methodology used survey responses from women nuclear professionals to identify the most-desired criteria at three levels: strategic, operational, and cultural. The strategic level includes actions that government officials and regulators can take. The operational level encompasses actions that deliver the …

Effective Management Of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources In Uganda, Susan Nalumansi

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Sealed radioactive sources are used in a wide range of applications in Uganda, such as medicine, agriculture, geology, industry, and other fields. After a given useful period, the sealed sources can no longer perform their intended purpose and are thus regarded as disused. However, depending on the activity of the source, the disused sources are highly active and can cause significant damage to human health and the environment when mismanaged. A regulatory body was established with the mandate to regulate peaceful applications of ionizing radiation in Uganda. Given the vulnerability of sealed sources at the end of their life cycle …

Investigation Of Radiation Absorption Behavior Of Banana Leaves And Onion: A Cost-Effective Way Of Radiation Protection, Arpita Datta, Alpana Goel, Shreya Singh

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Shielding of nuclear radiation is an important component of radiation safety aiming to reduce the exposure of ionizing radiation to radiation workers. In the present work, beta and gamma radiation absorption properties of various environmentally friendly natural materials such as onion, banana leaf, and banana stem were investigated with a view to understand their radiation shielding capability. Pure beta source ⁹⁰Sr–⁹⁰Y and gamma sources such as ²⁴¹Am, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co were used to study the attenuation of beta and gamma radiation using these natural materials. Intensity of the emitted radiation was measured by placing …

Thermal Hydraulic Analysis For Different Subchannels Of Generic Vver-1200, Mosaddak Ahamed Zahid, Md. Imam Mehedi, Shamsul Arefin Shibly, A. S. Mollah

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The demand for nuclear energy is steadily increasing all over the world. Most nuclear power is used for peaceful applications such as power generation, healthcare, agriculture, food security, industry, and research. One of the primary applications of nuclear energy is the generation of electricity through nuclear power plants based on nuclear reactors. Many developing countries around the world (such as Bangladesh) are moving toward nuclear power plants because they have huge advantages, including low-cost energy, reliable energy sources, zero carbon emissions, and high energy concentration. As a result, the demand for nuclear reactor protection and operational protection of nuclear power …

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 was …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Insen 2023 Yearly Updates, Walid Metwally, Matteo Gerlini, Cristen Ford, João Claudio Batista Fiel J.C.B.F., Dr. Alpana Goel

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) is the primary international network for nuclear security educational initiatives. INSEN plays a central role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nuclear security education experts worldwide. In the wake of the global pandemic, INSEN remained committed to strengthening nuclear security education and resumed in-person activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed its continued dedication and support to the network’s mission and presented new activities aimed at elevating global nuclear security efforts.

Throughout the year and during the annual and leadership meetings, working groups showcased their vibrant work and presented innovative ideas, invigorating …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Remote Laboratory For Nuclear Security Education, Anthony R. Galindo, Craig Marianno

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Laboratory experiences for online students are very limited. To fill this gap, educators in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University developed a series of radiation detection experiments for their remote students. Radiation detection is only one piece of nuclear security. The objective of the current research is to describe the development and execution of three online laboratories that investigate the basic application of physical security sensors that use light, ultrasonics, and heat to detect adversaries. This laboratory complements lecture material from the department’s Nuclear Security System and Design course. Using the Remote Desktop Application, students connect to …

Addressing Underground, Unmanned Threats: A Case Study Of Gpr Detecting Illegal Objects At Nuclear Facilities And Enhancing Subterranean Physical Protection Systems, Md. Shamsul Huda Sohel, Mohammad Khan, Dr. Debashis Datta

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In nuclear installations, any unmanned threat is unacceptable. Such threats are a major issue for the nuclear physical protection system (PPS). Although the PPS of a nuclear power plant (NPP) is well prepared to deal with threats above ground level, until now, a special PPS had never been developed for detecting and tackling underground threats. One example of such a threat is a weapon-carrying, unmanned object operated by remote. Using this technology, a terrorist could launch an attack and overcome security barriers. While a normal PPS would not detect the underground activities of a mobile object, a PPS using a …

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 …

Effort And Prospective On Nuclear Security In Rok, Jung Soo Kim, Myung-Tak Jung, Kookheui Kwon, Youngwook Lee

International Journal of Nuclear Security

As of July 2013, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been operating a total of 23 nuclear power reactors at four sites with five new reactors under construction. In addition, the country has planned to construct two more units at two candidate sites, but due to a change in the energy policy, only one candidate site has been constructed while the other was decommissioned. The ROK has also been exporting nuclear power plants to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and building a research reactor in Jordan. These actions have made the nation’s nuclear industry by far the fastest growing industry …

Women In Nuclear Science & Technology In India: Challenges & Opportunities, Arpita Datta, Dr. Alpana Goel, Ashok Kumar Jain

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Women have been actively contributing toward frontline research and development of various advanced technologies in the nuclear domain and playing a crucial role in key positions. However, proportional representation of women in various decision-making positions at higher levels in politics, diplomacy, military affairs, science, and technology remains low, and most of these positions remain male-dominated. We see that women often find it difficult to achieve leadership roles for several reasons, but often from an implicit bias in society. The stereotypical image of women in society is still propagated very discreetly. In recent times, Indian women have made big strides in …

The Role Of Nuclear Forensics For Determining The Origin Of Nuclear Materials Out Of Regulatory Control And Nuclear Security, Lekhnath Ghimire, Edward Waller

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The international community recognizes the rise in theft and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and radioactive sources—for malicious use and nuclear terrorism—as a serious threat. That is why a well-developed nuclear forensics capability is an integral part of a robust nuclear security program and a key element of nuclear security infrastructure. Both pre- and post-detonation nuclear forensics are vital for controlling theft and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, as well as identifying and tracing their sources. Nuclear forensics analysis and interpretation processes for nuclear security is a systematic process that includes: (1) sample collection and categorization techniques and (2) detailed …

Developing Nuclear Security Capacity Of Indonesia’S Police And Security Officer: Lessons From Universitas Gadjah Mada’S Pilot Training, Susetyo Hario Putero Mr

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Due to an increase in global nuclear security issues, there need to be improvements in human resources and security measures. The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago country, which makes surveilling for nuclear security threats complicated. Recent radioactive material smuggling incidents proved that Indonesian police and security officers’ knowledge in nuclear security has been challenged and must be improved. In response, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Nuclear Engineering Program composed a three-day pilot training program for local police and UGM's security officers in 2018. The objective of the training was to improve their capabilities in dealing with nuclear security issues around where …

Nuclear Security Awareness Survey At A University, Marcia P. Robinson, Naomi German, Destiny B. White, Shraddha V. Rane, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The concept of assessing safety culture in an organization emerged with its application at the nuclear power industry and has expanded since then. An assessment of nuclear security, on the contrary, is still under-developed, especially at non-nuclear facilities, such as academic institutions and medical facilities. To identify the level of the awareness and understanding of credible nuclear and radiological threats, response preparedness, security culture, and the integrity of nuclear security systems among non-radioactive material users at a university setting; a campus-wide survey was deployed. A total of 3,336 non-radioactive material users, including students, faculty, and staff participated in the survey. …

Small Modular Reactors And Advanced Reactor Security: Regulatory Perspectives On Integrating Physical And Cyber Security By Design To Protect Against Malicious Acts And Evolving Threats, Raphael Duguay

International Journal of Nuclear Security

How can future nuclear technologies and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) deter and prevent organized crime groups, terrorists, and malicious actors from attempting to steal or sabotage nuclear materials and facilities? This paper presents the benefits of integrating Security by Design (SeBD) into a regulatory framework to allow more a flexible and effective design of physical protection systems for SMRs. During its effort to modernize the Nuclear Security Regulations, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) licensing application process provides for the option of SeBD in moving toward a performance-based approach with less prescriptive requirements. CNSC also recognizes the need for a …

Promoting Nuclear Security Education And Training Activities At Amity University, India, Arpita Datta, Dr. Alpana Goel

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In the present era of global nuclear governance, it is the responsibility of every individual not only the security personals to be accountable for the security of nuclear materials, facilities and radioactive materials. Amity university and other universities of India are the largest educational networks for young professionals who will enter the nuclear programme in India and will be involved in the management of nuclear and other radioactive materials in a wide variety of applications such as hospitals, industrial applications and nuclear facilities. Amity University Uttar Pradesh is taking leading part to sensitize the importance of nuclear security amongst the …

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 …

Parking Garage Measurements Indicating A Gamma Spectrometer-Neutron Counter Background Correlation, Jackson N. Wagner, Craig Marianno, Thomas Mccullough

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Gamma spectroscopy and gross neutron counting systems are commonly employed together during nuclear security operations, particularly mobile searches. The data from these systems are typically analyzed independently; however, operational data suggest a relationship between the background signals from both systems. This relationship appears to occur between the neutron count rate and the high energy (greater than 3 MeV) gamma spectrometer count rate for background conditions. To verify the presence of this correlation, high energy gamma ray and neutron count rates were measured in five parking garages on the Texas A&M University campus. These measurements employed one 4” x 4” x …

Consideration Of Administrative Monetary Penalties In Nuclear Safety And Security, Jelena Vucicevic, Edward Waller

International Journal of Nuclear Security

An Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) is a penalty imposed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), without court involvement for a violation of a regulatory requirement. An AMP can be applied against any individual or corporation subject to the Nuclear Safety Control Act, which regulates the development, production and use of nuclear energy and the production, possession and use of nuclear and radioactive material. However, AMPs are not the same as criminal offences. They are civil sanctions which try to secure compliance through the application of monetary penalties for non-compliance with regulatory requirements. The AMP program was introduced in 2013 …

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 …