ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
Mar 2026
Jul 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2026
Nuclear Technology
February 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
April 2026
Latest News
NRC approves TerraPower construction permit
Today, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that it has approved TerraPower’s construction permit application for Kemmerer Unit 1, the company’s first deployment of Natrium, its flagship sodium fast reactor.
This approval is a significant milestone on three fronts. For TerraPower, it represents another step forward in demonstrating its technology. For the Department of Energy, it reflects progress (despite delays) for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). For the NRC, it is the first approval granted to a commercial reactor in nearly a decade—and the first approval of a commercial non–light water reactor in more than 40 years.
William J. Garland, Simon H. Pang
Nuclear Technology | Volume 75 | Number 3 | December 1986 | Pages 239-260
Technical Paper | Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT86-A33840
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The thermohydraulic stability of the Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU)-600 heat transport system was investigated from a theoretical, numerical, and experimental point of view. Simple theoretical models, used to provide phenomenological insight as a guide to the numerical and experimental studies, showed that a major form of positive feedback existed through an interplay of circuit flow, outlet header void fraction, and outlet header pressure. The flow and pressure dynamics proved to be good indicators of system stability. System computer codes (SOPHT, FIREBIRD, and HYDNA) were used for the detailed modeling of system dynamics. These codes showed that neither Ledinegg nor parallel channel instabilities occur in CANDU-600 nuclear reactors. Loop stability was predicted under all conditions with the reactor outlet header interconnect line in service as designed. With the interconnect line disconnected, loop instability was predicted for a narrow outlet header quality range (1 to 8%). These predictions were fully confirmed by semiscale experimental loop tests and plant commissioning tests.