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Conference Spotlight
2026 Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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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Seconds Matter: Rethinking Nuclear Facility Security for the Modern Threat Landscape
In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, nuclear facilities must prioritize speed and precision in their security responses—because in critical moments, every second counts. An early warning system serves as a vital layer of defense, enabling real-time detection of potential intrusions or anomalies before they escalate into full-blown incidents. By providing immediate alerts and actionable intelligence, these systems empower security personnel to respond decisively, minimizing risk to infrastructure, personnel, and the public. The ability to anticipate and intercept threats at the earliest possible stage not only enhances operational resilience but also reinforces public trust in the safety of nuclear operations. Investing in such proactive technologies is no longer optional—it’s essential for modern nuclear security.
H. J. Sutherland, J. E. Smaardyk, L. A. Kent
Nuclear Technology | Volume 49 | Number 1 | June 1980 | Pages 70-79
Technical Paper | Nuclear Power Reactor Safety / Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT80-A32508
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An acoustic, pulse-echo technique has been used as part of the large-scale, sodium/concrete interaction tests being conducted at Sandia Laboratories to measure the penetration of a large pool (up to 186 kg) of liquid sodium (initial temperature as high as 600°C) into a limestone concrete crucible. The acoustic data give information on the penetration, penetration rate, and condition of the sodium/concrete interface during the test. Two distinct attack modes have been seen. The first is chemical, and proceeds initially at ∼i mm/min and is of limited extent. The second is mechanical (spallation), and proceeds more rapidly (∼4 mm/min) and appears to be limited only by the reaction kinetics.