ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Division Spotlight
Nuclear Installations Safety
Devoted specifically to the safety of nuclear installations and the health and safety of the public, this division seeks a better understanding of the role of safety in the design, construction and operation of nuclear installation facilities. The division also promotes engineering and scientific technology advancement associated with the safety of such facilities.
Meeting Spotlight
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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Nuclear Science and Engineering
February 2025
Nuclear Technology
January 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Three nations, three ways to recycle plastic waste with nuclear technology
Plastic waste pollutes oceans, streams, and bloodstreams. Nations in Asia and the Pacific are working with the International Atomic Energy Agency through the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) initiative to tackle the problem. Launched in 2020, NUTEC Plastics is focused on using nuclear technology to both track the flow of microplastics and improve upstream plastic recycling before discarded plastic can enter the ecosystem. Irradiation could target hard-to-recycle plastics and the development of bio-based plastics, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic products and building a “circular economy” for plastics, according to the IAEA.
Gene L. Woodruff, David C. Quimby
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 62 | Number 1 | January 1977 | Pages 45-54
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE77-A26938
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A simplified but approximate method for the calculation of nuclear heating is described. Results using this method are compared with those of more rigorous calculations. The computational effort required is significantly reduced, and an accuracy generally better than ±20% can be achieved provided reasonable estimates of gamma-ray production are used. It would appear that the gamma-ray absorption coefficients used here are too low as a result of assuming average gamma-ray energies that are too high. As experience is gained with use of the method, greater accuracy should result from improved assumptions regarding both gamma-ray production and average gamma-ray energies.
