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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.
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2024 ANS Annual Conference
June 16–19, 2024
Las Vegas, NV|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
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 approves transfer of Vallecitos to North Star for D&D
By an order dated April 25, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the transfer of ownership of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s Vallecitos Nuclear Center to NorthStar Group Services for nuclear decontamination, decommissioning, and environmental site restoration.
L. Desgranges, M. P. Ferroud-Plattet, R. Alloncle, I. Aubrun, J. M. Untrau, P. Lhuillery
Nuclear Technology | Volume 163 | Number 2 | August 2008 | Pages 252-260
Technical Paper | Fuel Cycle and Management | doi.org/10.13182/NT08-A3985
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In dry storage conditions, the accidental scenario takes into consideration a defective nuclear fuel rod reacting with the atmosphere. In order to gain information on French nuclear fuel, a new experimental setup named CROCODILE was developed to perform oxidation experiments in hot cells on defective fuel rodlets with controlled temperature and atmosphere. The first test was performed at 623 K in air with a rodlet taken from a four-cycle mixed-oxide fuel rod in which defects were simulated by drilling holes in the cladding. After 139 h of oxidation, significant degradation was observed with the development of radial and axial cracks. At this point, the experiment was stopped and the rodlet was analyzed. The main features observed were (a) a significant strain in the cladding around the cracks, which resulted in the detachment of fuel fragments; (b) no evidence of hydride accumulation in the cladding; and (c) a heterogeneous propagation of the oxidation front in the nuclear ceramic. The influence of the simulated defect is discussed and the use of a round defect is examined.