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Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology
Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
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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
Securing the advanced reactor fleet
Physical protection accounts for a significant portion of a nuclear power plant’s operational costs. As the U.S. moves toward smaller and safer advanced reactors, similar protection strategies could prove cost prohibitive. For tomorrow’s small modular reactors and microreactors, security costs must remain appropriate to the size of the reactor for economical operation.
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.