Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

Editor's Note, Damon Coletta

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space And Defense Volume 15 No. 1 Spring 2024 (Whole Issue), Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Coupled Monte Carlo And Adjoint Depletion Sensitivity Coefficient Methods, Benjamin R. Murphy

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Recent advances in adjoint-based, continuous-energy Monte Carlo generalized perturbation theory (GPT) sensitivity coefficients are combined with adjoint-based depletion perturbation theory (DPT) sensitivities to obtain fully coupled depletion sensitivity coefficients in OpenMC. These depletion sensitivity coefficients are compared with direct perturbation results and found to have generally good agreement, though discrepancies exist. Some shortfalls of the DPT method include the inefficient initial numeric integration scheme for calculating the DPT sensitivities and the lack of stochastic uncertainty estimates for the DPT sensitivities. However, despite these shortcomings, the methodology provides the means to obtain high fidelity depletion sensitivity coefficients. With refinements to the …

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 …

Valorization Of Spent Zn-C Battery And Construction And Demolition Waste (Cdw): Fabrication And Characterization Of Geopolymer Composites For Radiation Shielding Applications, Raul Florez, Carlos H. Castano Giraldo, Sandra M. Restrepo-Arcila, Henry A. Colorado

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

There is a Serious Threat of Pollution Due to the High Waste of Energy and Materials Worldwide that Needs to Be Decreased. One Way is to Reduce Waste or Use Them in Secondary Processes. New Eco-Friendly Geopolymer Binders Were Fabricated using Metakaolin, CDW, and Battery Waste (BW) Powders as Starting Materials and a Mixture of Potassium Silicate and Sodium Hydroxide as Activation Solutions. 5 Formulations with BW Powder Replacements Ranging from 5 to 40 Wt% Were Prepared and Subjected to Heat Curing at 80 °C for 24 H. the Effect of Zn-C Battery Waste Content on the Phase Composition, Densification, …

Development And Evaluation Of Muon Scattering Tomography Reconstruction Techniques For Spent Fuel Verification, Jesus J. Valencia

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

The International Atomic Energy Agency has acknowledged the need to “efficiently verify and maintain knowledge of spent fuel in shielding/storage/transport containers at all points in their life cycle”. Cosmic-ray muon scattering tomography has shown potential to create reconstruction images of dry cask contents that would be useful for in-situ verification of spent fuel within dry casks.

In this document, several muon scattering tomography reconstruction techniques are explored using experimental track data through a partially filled dry cask container and steel drum test object. Two three-dimensional reconstruction techniques, a backprojection and newly developed combined depth of field algorithm, are evaluated. The …

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 …

Investigative Research On Design Parameters And Criticality Models For Microreactors, Cameron Jensen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

With increased energy demand and the desire to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, nuclear power will need to play a prominent role in achieving carbon-free energy independence. Large nuclear reactors are necessary to meet this objective. However, they are expensive and take a long time to build. For remote locations (e.g., military bases) and smaller communities, large nuclear reactors would not be feasible or cost effective. Small reactors (microreactors) can fill this necessary gap. These reactors would be factory-built, delivered quickly, and operated with high intrinsic levels of safety. With microreactors still in conceptual and testing states, there is a …

Remote Detection Of Leaks In High Level Waste Storage Tanks, Hunter Frey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this research was to characterize three devices potentially capable of remotely detecting signatures of a leak from high-level waste (HLW) storage tanks, specifically ones found at the Savannah River Site and the Hanford Site. The hazard HLW found within these tanks include ¹³⁷Cs, a gamma-ray emitter, and ⁹⁰Sr, an electron emitter leading to heat generation. These pose health risks to the personnel and maintenance problems and environmental safety issues if released to the environment. Additionally, pinpointing the location of a leak is a task that could lead to the mitigation of excess waste leaking from …

Tnt Equivalence Of Binary Energetics, Gracie Mae James

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests will be performed: 1) a plate dent test, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, and 3) velocity …

Tnt Equivalence: Measuring, Validating, And Appending Binary Energetics To The Literature, Gracie Mae James, Rachel Bauer, Alexander Douglas, Catherine E. Johnson

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests were performed: 1) a plate dent test for direct dent comparison, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, …

Improving Criticality Safety Benchmark Coverage By Developing A Benchmark Evaluation Of The Unm Agn-201m Reactor, Rowdy Davis

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

This research aimed to improve the benchmark coverage of the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) handbook and the International Reactor Physics Experiment Evaluation Project (IRPhEP) with respect to High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel (HALEU). This was accomplished by creating a benchmark of the University of New Mexico’s Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-M reactor and submitting it to the ICSBEP. This research then aimed to quantify to what extent this benchmark improves coverage of the benchmark suites for HALEU and TRISO fuel applications. This investigation utilized WHISPER, TSUNAMI-IP, and TSURFER with 36 application cases developed in SCALE and 2,929 experiments …

Small Modular Reactor And Advanced Reactor Feasibility Study Interim Report, Purdue University Administrative Operations, Purdue University School Of Nuclear Engineering, Duke Energy

Administrative Operations Reports

No abstract provided.

Pulsed-Power Neutron Production With Deuterated Polymer Accelerator Targets, Anthony O. Hagey, Juan J. Manfredi, Whitman T. Dailey, S. L. Jackson, E. R. Kaiser, J, W. Schumer

Faculty Publications

This document presents an investigation of the effect of deuterated accelerator targets on the neutron fluence from a local mass injection dense plasma focus (LMIDPF) driven by the United States Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Hawk pulsed-power generator. Deuterated targets were made using two methods: a well-established thin-film casting technique for flat targets and a more novel additive manufacturing technique that allowed targets to be three-dimensional (3D) printed in both flat and conical geometries. These targets were then tested during neutron-producing experiments conducted using Hawk, and theneutron fluences measured for the various target types were compared. Additive manufacturing was used as …

Design And Analysis Of Free Piston Stirling Engines For Microreactor Applications, Phat D. Doan

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Through the development of microreactors, a free piston Stirling engine (FPSE) is an excellent candidate to support the development of the microreactors applications. This study proposes a 20 kWe design of the FPSE for microreactor applications. The model has been developed and analyzed through a MATLAB code that was verified and benchmarked with both RE-1000 engine’s experiment data and Sage software. The MATLAB code has been developed from scratch using the first and second order approximation to simulate the engine’s steady state operation. There are three operating conditions that were applied to the code such as ideal isothermal, ideal adiabatic, …

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 …

Synergistic Effects Of Neutron And Gamma Radiations On The Electrical Properties Of Mosfets, Jackson T. Piechowski

Theses and Dissertations

In many radiation environments, electronic assets are exposed to a wide variety of species of radiation. This thesis studies the effect of sequential exposure of MOSFETs to neutron and gamma radiation. 27 Goford Semiconductor GT060N04T MOSFETs with gate thickness ∼500 nm were exposed to gamma radiation from a Cesium-137 source and mixed gamma and neutron radiation from a Californium-252 source with total amounts of ionizing radiation dose, neutron fluence, and order of irradiation varied to determine if synergistic effects of neutron and gamma irradiation can be measured. Neutron fluence values as low as 3.45x10⁹ and as high as 3.40x10 …

Neutron Spectrum Unfolding From Activation Foils Irradiated In Gamble Ii Using Deuterated Polyethylene Anodes, Christopher J. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Neutrons can cause irreparable harm to electronics, and experiments are needed to understand their effects fully. This work explores using pulsed power, which is low-cost compared to other sources, to create a useful neutron-rich environment. Deuterated polyethylene was used as anode and catcher material to generate the neutrons from the Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) fusion reaction. A simple, effective, and repeatable method was employed to directly cast deuterated polyethylene onto polyethylene sheets to fabricate the anode and catcher. The DD reactions were made by an ion beam-driven pulsed power generator, Gamble II, with the catcher located in the cathode. Zinc, copper, aluminum, …

Gamma Protection Factor For A Surrogate Armored Vehicle Exposed To The Us Army Fast Burst Reactor, Ian J. Poropat

Theses and Dissertations

This work measures the Gamma Protection Factor (GPF) of a steel cube, which is meant to serve as a surrogate for armored vehicles. The GPF is measured at the White Sands Missile Range Fast Burst Reactor (FBR) and is modeled using MCNP® v6.2 transport simulation software. When exposed to the FBR, the GPF is found to depend roughly linearly on the distance between the reactor core and steel cube. The GPF is determined to be 1.176 ± 0.00067 at 9.21 m, 1.098 ± 0.0011 at 26.16 m, and 1.033 ± 0.00082 at 42.92 m. MCNP® estimates the GPF for the …

Personal Dosimeter Testing For High Altitude Air Crew, Seth D. Bacon

Theses and Dissertations

In 2014 the Thermo Scientific N2 electronic personal dosimeter became the aircrews’ sole means to record ionizing radiation dose. The production of this dosimeter was discontinued in July of 2021, motivating the Air Force to seek a flight-certifiable replacement. The Thermo Scientific Trudose NG, Mirion DMC 3000, and Fuji NRF-51 electronic personal dosimeters, as well as the Landauer InLight optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter, were subjected to mixed gamma and fast neutron fields simulating a high-altitude flight environment. Dosimeters are evaluated on their consistency and accuracy in reporting dose and compared to the current N2 dosimeter’s reported dose.

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. …

การพัฒนาเทคนิคการถ่ายภาพเอกซเรย์คอมพิวเตอร์ด้วยแผ่นรับภาพดิจิทัล, อภิสรา เทศฐา

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อพัฒนาเทคนิคการสร้างภาพตัดขวางจากการถ่ายภาพเอกซเรย์ด้วยแผ่นรับภาพดิจิทัล โดยใช้หุ่นจำลองทรวงอกเด็กและท่อ PVC เพื่อประเมินคุณภาพของภาพจากเครื่องกำเนิดรังสีเอกซ์สองชนิด ได้แก่ เครื่องแบบพกพา (XRS3) และเครื่อง Radioflex พร้อมด้วยการประมวลผลภาพโดยใช้โปรแกรม AIRTools Toolbox และ TIGRE Toolbox ซึ่งรองรับอัลกอริทึมแบบ Filter-Back Projection และการสร้างภาพแบบวนซ้ำ (Iterative Reconstruction) กระบวนการทดลองประกอบด้วยการกำหนดพารามิเตอร์การถ่ายภาพ เช่น ค่า exposure และพลังงานรังสี การหมุนถ่ายภาพเพื่อเก็บข้อมูลโปรเจกชัน และการสร้างภาพตัดขวางด้วยอัลกอริทึมต่าง ๆ ได้แก่ Filter-Back Projection, Kaczmarz, Randomised Kaczmarz, Symmetric Kaczmarz, SART, SIRT และ OS-SART จากนั้นประเมินคุณภาพของภาพด้วยตัวชี้วัด SNR, CNR และ MTF ผลการศึกษาพบว่า การคำนวณสร้างภาพตัดขวางที่มีจำนวนโปรเจกชัน ยิ่งมากขึ้นทำให้ค่า SNR และ CNR สูงขึ้น เป็นผลทำให้คุณภาพของภาพตัดขวางดีมากขึ้น และค่าสูงสุดที่การหมุนภาพ 180 องศา และใช้จำนวนโปรเจกชัน 101 ภาพ โดยเฉพาะเมื่อประมวลผลด้วย TIGRE Toolbox และอัลกอริทึม SIRT ซึ่งให้ค่าความเปรียบต่างดีอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ การเพิ่มรอบการวนซ้ำถึงระดับที่เหมาะสม (k = 20) ช่วยเพิ่มคุณภาพของภาพ ก่อนลดลงจาก noise ที่มากเกินไป สำหรับค่า MTF เหมาะสมเมื่อใช้วีธีการประมวลผลด้วย SART นอกจากนี้การประมวลผลด้วย TIGRE Toolbox ยังให้ผลลัพธ์ใกล้เคียงระบบเอกซเรย์คอมพิวเตอร์ทางการแพทย์มากกว่า AIRTools Toolbox ผลการวิจัยนี้สามารถประยุกต์ใช้ในงานด้านการเรียนการสอน วิจัย และการวางแผนถ่ายภาพเอกซเรย์ในงานวิศวกรรม โดยเสนอแนวทางเปรียบเทียบในการเลือกอัลกอริทึมและพารามิเตอร์ที่เหมาะสมอย่างเป็นระบบ