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Division Spotlight
Reactor Physics
The division's objectives are to promote the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena characterizing nuclear reactors and other nuclear systems. The division encourages research and disseminates information through meetings and publications. Areas of technical interest include nuclear data, particle interactions and transport, reactor and nuclear systems analysis, methods, design, validation and operating experience and standards. The Wigner Award heads the awards program.
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2024 ANS Annual Conference
June 16–19, 2024
Las Vegas, NV|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
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The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Argonne researching “climate-ready” nuclear plant design
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have partnered with Washington state–based Energy Northwest to look at alternative ways to cool nuclear reactors as climate change impacts relied-upon water sources.
A. Ouroua, J. H. Beno, A. Bryant, D. Weeks, P. Phillips, W. L. Rowan
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 72 | Number 3 | October 2017 | Pages 331-336
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2017.1330640
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This paper describes the development of a prototype hot calibration source for the ITER-ECE diagnostic system. A resistive heating element encapsulated in an Inconel heating block was initially selected to heat a silicon carbide emitter to the required 700°C temperature. Radiative and direct contact heat transfer methods were considered and tested in a test prototype. The radiative heat transfer approach was selected and methods to improve the heater emissivity were investigated. Extended tests were conducted to verify long term heating performance, materials stability, and ITER vacuum compatibility. Design iterations guided by initial test results followed and alternative heater materials, heating elements, and heater design features were considered. Initial design, analysis, and test results are presented. Subsequent efforts to meet the full requirements of the hot calibration source are also presented.