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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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Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
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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How to talk about nuclear
In your career as a professional in the nuclear community, chances are you will, at some point, be asked (or volunteer) to talk to at least one layperson about the technology you know and love. You might even be asked to present to a whole group of nonnuclear folks, perhaps as a pitch to some company tangential to your company’s business. So, without further ado, let me give you some pointers on the best way to approach this important and surprisingly complicated task.
Ely M. Gelbard
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 54 | Number 3 | July 1974 | Pages 327-340
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE74-A23423
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Diffusion coefficients are computed for a typical lattice cell of the zero-power plutonium reactor experiments using the methods of Benoist and Bonalumi. It is noted that the diffusion coefficients, Dx, for leakage normal to the plates, as defined by Benoist and by Bonalumi, are both double valued. The spread between Benoist’s x-diffusion coefficient is, in the lattice cell, over half as large as the difference between Dx and Dy. Bonalumi’s x-diffusion coefficients are much farther apart, the interval between them being considerably larger than the difference between Dx and Dy. Neither the Benoist nor the Bonalumi method yields homogenized diffusion coefficients that preserve fluxes, reaction rates, or eigenvalues. Using an approach similar to that of Deniz, the diffusion coefficient is redefined and constructed in such a way as to guarantee that eigenvalues will be preserved in the homogenization process. The relation between the new diffusion coefficients and the Benoist coefficients is discussed.