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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.
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2024 ANS Winter Conference and Expo
November 17–21, 2024
Orlando, FL|Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
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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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New laws offer nuclear industry incentives for existing power plant uprates
This year, the U.S. nuclear industry received a much-needed economic boost that could help preserve operating nuclear power plants and incentivize upgrades that extend their lifespan and power output.
Signed into law in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act offers production tax credits (PTCs) for existing nuclear power plants and either PTCs or investment tax credits (ITCs) for new carbon-free generation. These credits could make power uprates—increasing the maximum power level at which a commercial plant may operate—a much more appealing option for utilities.
Sudip S. Dosanjh, Martin Pilch
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 108 | Number 2 | June 1991 | Pages 172-183
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE91-A23815
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
During hypothetical severe nuclear reactor accidents, structural materials in the reactor vessel can relocate downward and form debris regions above the lower head. A one-dimensional model is presented that considers melt progression in the debris as well as the thermal and mechanical response of the head. Only creep rupture of the lower head is considered; however, other modes of vessel failure can be considered with the methodology developed, and the model can easily be extended to higher dimensions. Numerical solutions are compared with an analytical model developed by T G. Theofanous. The goal of the work is to identify the parameters that most affect the state of the debris at the time of lower head creep rupture. Results of sensitivity analyses presented indicate that melt relocation phenomena, the initial composition profile of the debris, and the pressure inside the vessel are all important. On the other hand, changing the porosity or the particle diameter produces less significant effects because several competing phenomena cancel each other.