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INL reports findings on unusual quantum behavior of plutonium
Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory have discovered that plutonium hexaboride (PuB6) displays a type of unusual quantum property called a topological Kondo insulating state. Materials with this property are neither typical electricity conductors nor regular insulators. Rather, they have exterior surfaces that strongly conduct electricity and interiors that block electricity.
Truong V. Vo, Doyle R. Edwards
Nuclear Technology | Volume 106 | Number 1 | April 1994 | Pages 110-124
Technical Paper | Reactor Operation | doi.org/10.13182/NT94-A34953
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The multiyear program entitled Nondestructive Evaluation Reliability for In-Service Inspection of Light Water Reactors, sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is being conducted at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory. The goals of the program are to determine the reliability of current in-service inspection of pressure boundary systems and components and to develop recommendations that can ensure a suitably high inspection reliability. The long-term objective is to develop recommendations for improved in-service inspections. In meeting program objectives, a risk-based method has been developed to guide the development of inspection plans. The method uses results of probabilistic risk assessment and failure modes and effects analysis techniques to identify and prioritize the most risk-important systems and components for inspection at nuclear power plants. The Surry Nuclear Power Station Unit I was selected for demonstrating the methodology. The specific system addressed in this study was the high-pressure injection/recirculation (HPI/R) system. The results provide a risk-based ranking of components within the HPI/R system, which can be used to guide the development of improved inspection plans for nuclear power plants. This work will subsequently be used in supporting the revisions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ codes and standards.