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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.
Meeting Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Standards Program
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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Latest News
NRC’s David Wright visits the Hill and more NRC news
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the spotlight today for three very different reasons. First, NRC Chair David Wright was on the Hill yesterday for his renomination hearing in front of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee. Second, the NRC released its updated milestone schedules according to the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) and the executive orders signed by President Trump last month; and third, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday, 28 former NRC officials have condemned the dismissal of Commissioner Hanson earlier this month.
Mikio Sakai, Kazuya Shibata, Seiichi Koshizuka
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 154 | Number 1 | September 2006 | Pages 63-73
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE06-A2618
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Particle dynamics of nuclear fuel material has not been considered in conventional nuclear criticality evaluations. However, the particle motion influences nuclear criticality significantly. In the present study, the criticality calculation is combined with the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the effects of the particle macroscopic behavior on nuclear criticality. Particle motion is analyzed in a rotating drum by the DEM, and then, the nuclear calculation is carried out. This paper focuses on particle size distribution, size segregation, and change of surface area of the particle bed. The particle size distribution has an important influence on the nuclear criticality evaluation because it affects not only the particle movement but also the atomic number densities in the bed. The surface area of the particle bed shows a close correlation with the multiplication factor. On the other hand, the size segregation does not have a significant effect on nuclear criticality.