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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.
Shih-Jen Wang, Shih-Hsiin Chang, Ling-Yao Chou
Nuclear Technology | Volume 113 | Number 3 | March 1996 | Pages 280-290
Technical Paper | Nuclear Reactor Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT96-A35208
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An anticipated transient without scram induced by main steam isolation valve closure (AMSIV) could subject a nuclear power plant to the most severe of accident conditions. The Chinshan plant analyzer contains a complete boiling water reactor system model and can be revised easily for the user’s purpose. These features make the Chinshan plant analyzer suitable for AMSIV analysis. The capability of the Chinshan plant analyzer to analyze an AMSIV is illustrated. An AMSIV is simulated, and the simulation results are similar to the results of other research. Furthermore, the AMSIV response of reducing reactor power by decreasing reactor coolant inventory is simulated, and the results of the simulation are similar to those of other research. During this transient, the reactor power is decreased. However, the margin to core uncovery is also decreased. In addition, a method of reducing the reactor power by increasing the feedwater temperature is studied. The mechanism of reducing the reactor power is associated with decreasing the inlet subcooling. Sensitivities of key parameters are also analyzed. A large negative void coefficient causes an undesirable large peak in the reactor power. A small recirculation pump moment of inertia decreases the reactor power.