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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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2025 ANS Annual Conference
June 15–18, 2025
Chicago, IL|Chicago Marriott Downtown
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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
Smarter waste strategies: Helping deliver on the promise of advanced nuclear
At COP28, held in Dubai in 2023, a clear consensus emerged: Nuclear energy must be a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition. With electricity demand projected to soar as we decarbonize not just power but also industry, transport, and heat, the case for new nuclear is compelling. More than 20 countries committed to tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050. In the United States alone, the Department of Energy forecasts that the country’s current nuclear capacity could more than triple, adding 200 GW of new nuclear to the existing 95 GW by mid-century.
Jeffery F. Latkowski, Jorge J. Sanchez, Lee C. Pittenger
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 35 | Number 2 | March 1999 | Pages 255-259
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST99-A11963933
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
During yield operations, the materials within the National Ignition Facility (NIF) cryogenic target positioner will be exposed to high fluences of high-energy neutrons. If left unchecked, these neutrons could deposit unacceptably high amounts of energy within the cryogenic fluids. In addition, these neutrons will induce residual radioactivity within the target positioner and may lead to intolerable dose rates for maintenance personnel. Through careful design and selection of materials, however, these effects may be mitigated. The present work uses nominal design characteristics for the cryogenic target positioner to show that traditional cryogenic and structural materials will not produce an acceptable design. Further, we develop an alternate design that addresses the issues of neutron shielding and activation.
