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Materials Science & Technology
The objectives of MSTD are: promote the advancement of materials science in Nuclear Science Technology; support the multidisciplines which constitute it; encourage research by providing a forum for the presentation, exchange, and documentation of relevant information; promote the interaction and communication among its members; and recognize and reward its members for significant contributions to the field of materials science in nuclear technology.
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ANS Student Conference 2025
April 3–5, 2025
Albuquerque, NM|The University of New Mexico
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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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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Uncertainty contributes to lowest uranium spot prices in 18 months
A combination of plentiful supply and uncertain demand resulted in spot pricing for uranium closing out March below $64 per pound, with dips down to about $63.50 during mid-March—the lowest futures prices in 18 months, according to tracking by analysis firm Trading Economics. Spot prices have also fallen steadily since the beginning of 2024. Meanwhile, long-term prices have held steady at about $80 per pound at the end of March, according to Canadian front-end uranium mining, milling, and conversion company Cameco.
K. Ogawa, M. Isobe, H. Nuga, R. Seki, S. Ohdachi, M. Osakabe
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 78 | Number 3 | April 2022 | Pages 175-185
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2021.1973294
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A numerical study of the alpha particle emission rate due to the p-11B fusion reaction based on the respectively obtained Large Helical Device (LHD) plasma parameters in an experiment is performed. First, the total alpha particle emission rate is estimated by employing the beam ion distribution calculation code FIT3D and the fusion reaction rate calculation code FBURN based on the classic confinement of beam ions. Then, the calculation is performed using hydrogen-beam-heated hydrogen plasma parameters and the radial boron density profile obtained from boron drop discharge. The result shows that the total alpha particle emission rate reaches approximately 1014 s−1. Then, based on the radial profile of the alpha particle emission calculated by the FBURN code, the distribution of the first orbit loss of5.78-MeV alpha particles created by the p-11B reaction on the vacuum vessel and the divertor plate is calculated by the collisionless Lorentz orbit code LORBIT. Although most of the alpha particles are lost to the divertor plate, some of the alpha particles are lost on the vacuum vessel. Finally, a feasibility study of alpha particle detection by the existing manipulators and fast ion loss detector position is performed. The number of particles as a function of position shows that a substantial number of alpha particles can be detected. Alpha particles with a pitch angle of ~130 deg can reach manipulator positions. In contrast, particles with pitch angles of ~50 and ~110 deg can reach the fast ion loss detector position. The calculation shows that measurement of alpha particles due to p-11B is thought to be possible using charged particle detectors.