ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
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Division Spotlight
Young Members Group
The Young Members Group works to encourage and enable all young professional members to be actively involved in the efforts and endeavors of the Society at all levels (Professional Divisions, ANS Governance, Local Sections, etc.) as they transition from the role of a student to the role of a professional. It sponsors non-technical workshops and meetings that provide professional development and networking opportunities for young professionals, collaborates with other Divisions and Groups in developing technical and non-technical content for topical and national meetings, encourages its members to participate in the activities of the Groups and Divisions that are closely related to their professional interests as well as in their local sections, introduces young members to the rules and governance structure of the Society, and nominates young professionals for awards and leadership opportunities available to members.
Meeting Spotlight
2024 ANS Winter Conference and Expo
November 17–21, 2024
Orlando, FL|Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
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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Nuclear Science and Engineering
October 2024
Nuclear Technology
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August 2024
Latest News
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.
Eugene P. Wigner
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 6 | Number 5 | November 1959 | Pages 420-432
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE59-A25681
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Early nuclear power reactor concepts were generated mainly by a few theoretical physicists during the relatively few quiet hours available in 1942–1945. Reactors were thought of in terms of structures “that a plumber could put together.” A typical illustration of early thinking is presented. In spite of these primitive beginnings, the basic technical pattern of power reactor development was understood at an early date. Estimates of world energy resources are summarized. It is pointed out that the great effort to exploit nuclear energy can be justified only if it is directed toward a full utilization of uranium and thorium. Without breeding, nuclear fuels will only supply energy for a few decades in the future energy-hungry world. Recent findings on nuclear reactor stability are discussed and the value of computing machines in theoretical studies is noted. A commentary on current concepts in reactors is presented; the flux trap reactor, boiling reactors, gas-cooling, and breeders using beryllium or U238 for possible improvement of neutron economy. Direct conversion of nuclear heat into electricity is briefly reviewed. Thermocouple batteries and thermionic converters are described and some remarks are made concerning their future development.