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Division Spotlight
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.
Meeting Spotlight
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
Oklo to collaborate with Atomic Alchemy on isotope production
Fast reactor developer Oklo, which recently went public on the New York Stock Exchange, announced on May 13 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Atomic Alchemy to cooperate on the production of radioisotopes for medical, energy, industry, and science applications.
Troy Howe, Steve Howe, Jack Miller
Nuclear Technology | Volume 207 | Number 6 | June 2021 | Pages 866-875
Technical Note | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2020.1832814
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The space industry is expanding at an increasing rate. While most efforts are currently focused on Earth and lunar orbits, it is only a matter of time before affordable exploration missions into deep space become more prevalent. Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) with large quantities of power have been theorized for such missions with many advantages over traditional solar panels and radioisotope power sources. Key among NEP issues has been the power conversion system, often falling upon dynamic cycles over solid-state options like thermoelectric generators (TEGs) because of low efficiencies. Howe Industries has conceptualized a deep space probe capable of transporting cube satellites (CubeSats) and other payloads to deep space utilizing NEP based on an advanced TEG power conversion system with efficiencies that would challenge traditional dynamic power conversion cycles. Experimentation at a TRIGA research reactor has shown a potential for 20 to 50 times increase in electrical conductivity of potential thermoelectric materials, which would correlate to large increases in efficiencies over traditional TEGs.