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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.
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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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.
A. P. Grunwald
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 12 | Number 3 | March 1962 | Pages 419-423
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE62-A28093
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Helium leak detection and other nondestructive tests of closure welds proved unreliable for the EBR-II fuel rods. A system was developed which used pressure decay in a miniature pressure chamber as a measure of weld leakage. Analysis of pressure decay rate permitted determination of leak size. Spurious signals resulting from leakage of the test system produced an abnormal ultimate test chamber pressure. These were readily differentiated from fuel rod leaks. The sensitivity of the tests is approximately 5 × 10−6 standard cubic centimeters of helium per second. Higher sensitivity may be obtained by variation of the technique and of the equipment. The influence of vapor contamination of leak capillaries was investigated and correlated with surface tension phenomena. The test has been successfully applied to a variety of fuel elements and incapsulated specimens with small internal void spaces.