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The Radiation Protection and Shielding Division is developing and promoting radiation protection and shielding aspects of nuclear science and technology — including interaction of nuclear radiation with materials and biological systems, instruments and techniques for the measurement of nuclear radiation fields, and radiation shield design and evaluation.
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International Conference on Mathematics and Computational Methods Applied to Nuclear Science and Engineering (M&C 2025)
April 27–30, 2025
Denver, CO|The Westin Denver Downtown
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Latest News
Argonne’s METL gears up to test more sodium fast reactor components
Argonne National Laboratory has successfully swapped out an aging cold trap in the sodium test loop called METL (Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop), the Department of Energy announced April 23. The upgrade is the first of its kind in the United States in more than 30 years, according to the DOE, and will help test components and operations for the sodium-cooled fast reactors being developed now.
S.J. Breretonb, L.J. Perkins
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | May 1991 | Pages 1563-1568
ITER | Proceedings of the Ninth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Oak Brook, Illinois, October 7-11, 1990) | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29564
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The ultimate performance of ITER has the potential to exceed the nominal levels needed to meet the objectives of the Physics and Technology phases, as outlined in the ITER Terms of Reference. Higher power levels, even with the existing set of physics design rules, may be achievable with modifications to torus components and appropriate additions to the balance of plant. It may also be possible to generate net electric power from a machine the same size as the current ITER baseline, but with a slightly different design. Because of the large investment in ITER and the value of the information gained from its operation to the progress of fusion research, it is important that the operation and performance of the machine be maximized. The greater value of information that could be obtained with more ambitious performance levels must be weighed against the additional costs, technological risks, and safety implications. This study examines the feasibility and implications of a potential third phase, or Advanced Technology Phase (ATP) for ITER. Performance prospects for this phase, under certain assumptions, have been assessed. Impacts on other systems, other components, safety, and configuration have been assessed. The study shows that net electric power can be obtained, but innovative divertor designs are needed, along with changes in the heat transport system, shielding, and machine configuration. The net electric power produced comes with the risk of increased safety concerns, and additional costs. Net power generation from a single sector (1/16) of the machine is also considered. In terms of cost, complexity, and risk, this may be a more desirable option for demonstrating net electric power production.