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Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Division Spotlight
Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology
Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
Meeting Spotlight
ANS Student Conference 2025
April 3–5, 2025
Albuquerque, NM|The University of New Mexico
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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Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2025
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
February 2025
Latest News
Colin Judge: Testing structural materials in Idaho’s newest hot cell facility
Idaho National Laboratory’s newest facility—the Sample Preparation Laboratory (SPL)—sits across the road from the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF), which started operating in 1975. SPL will host the first new hot cells at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) in 50 years, giving INL researchers and partners new flexibility to test the structural properties of irradiated materials fresh from the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) or from a partner’s facility.
Materials meant to withstand extreme conditions in fission or fusion power plants must be tested under similar conditions and pushed past their breaking points so performance and limitations can be understood and improved. Once irradiated, materials samples can be cut down to size in SPL and packaged for testing in other facilities at INL or other national laboratories, commercial labs, or universities. But they can also be subjected to extreme thermal or corrosive conditions and mechanical testing right in SPL, explains Colin Judge, who, as INL’s division director for nuclear materials performance, oversees SPL and other facilities at the MFC.
SPL won’t go “hot” until January 2026, but Judge spoke with NN staff writer Susan Gallier about its capabilities as his team was moving instruments into the new facility.
The Credential that Gives you the Edge
Licensure is an indicator of dedication to integrity, hard work, and creativity and is an assurance that the individual engineer has passed at least a minimum screen of competence. The American Nuclear Society offers the following materials to help you prepare for the Nuclear PE Exam:
Additional helpful information:
The Nuclear PE Examination is a 9.5-hour computer-based exam offered once per year in October. The exam is comprised of 85 questions. Answer options include multiple choice (one correct answer), multiple option (multiple correct answers), point and click, drag and drop, and fill-in-the-blank. The multiple option, point and click, drag and drop, and fill-in-the-blank answer options are known as alternative item types (AIT). Refer to the Sample AIT questions hyperlink below to view examples of each answer type. In addition, the NCEES website contains detailed tutorials, which elaborate on AITs.
The upcoming test date is Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Examinees may reserve their seat up to a year in advance at a Pearson VUE test center once they are registered with NCEES and approved by their state board. Candidates are encouraged to reserve their seat for this single-day event as early as possible.
Why Take the Nuclear PE Exam?
Yes, Students, There Is A Nuclear PE Exam
License to Engineer
NCEES Licensure Exchange – Exam News
Last modified February 27, 2023, 11:02am CST