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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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ANS Student Conference 2025
April 3–5, 2025
Albuquerque, NM|The University of New Mexico
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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
First astatine-labeled compound shipped in the U.S.
The Department of Energy’s National Isotope Development Center (NIDC) on March 31 announced the successful long-distance shipment in the United States of a biologically active compound labeled with the medical radioisotope astatine-211 (At-211). Because previous shipments have included only the “bare” isotope, the NIDC has described the development as “unleashing medical innovation.”
Younggil Jin, Hyun-Su Kim, Sun-Taek Lim, Jin-Young Lee, Nam-Kyun Kim, Jae-Min Song, Gon-Ho Kim
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 68 | Number 1 | July 2015 | Pages 113-119
Technical Paper | Open Magnetic Systems 2014 | doi.org/10.13182/FST14-886
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The effect of interface diffusion between tungsten and graphite on embrittlement has not been examined over the tungsten ductile-brittle transition temperature. To analyze interface embrittlement with tungsten carbide (WC) formation and hardness, a reactive diffusion barrier model was adapted to clarify the roles of leak rate, lag time, and impurity. Plasma-sprayed tungsten (PS-W) on graphite with molybdenum interlayer (diffusion barrier) was fabricated using plasma-spray. The carbon concentration and hardness were measured using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and micro-indentation after furnace experiments relevant to plasma-facing component upper limit temperature (1470 K). The lag time and the leak rate were determined by the model with different impurity amounts (10-30 at. %) and barrier thicknesses (1-40 μm). It is worth noting that the lag time determines embrittlement threshold time because it delays the onset of diffusion, and it is expanded with thicker barrier and impurity (0.07-21000 ms). The leak rate represents the embrittlement rate since it limits the diffusion flux, and it does not depend on impurity but on barrier thickness. Diffusion-induced interface embrittlement was measured and estimated based on WC fraction. The embrittlement can be spatially expanded with time, suggesting that interface embrittlement can be severe for KSTAR long-term operation.