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
Fuel Cycle & Waste Management
Devoted to all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle including waste management, worldwide. Division specific areas of interest and involvement include uranium conversion and enrichment; fuel fabrication, management (in-core and ex-core) and recycle; transportation; safeguards; high-level, low-level and mixed waste management and disposal; public policy and program management; decontamination and decommissioning environmental restoration; and excess weapons materials disposition.
Meeting Spotlight
Utility Working Conference and Vendor Technology Expo (UWC 2024)
August 4–7, 2024
Marco Island, FL|JW Marriott Marco Island
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
BWXT will scout potential TRISO fuel production sites in Wyoming
BWX Technologies Inc. announced today that its Advanced Technologies subsidiary has signed a cooperation agreement with the state of Wyoming to evaluate locations and requirements for siting a potential new TRISO nuclear fuel fabrication facility in the state.
Frederick A. Schumann
Nuclear Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | September 1973 | Pages 156-164
Technical Paper | Radioisotope | doi.org/10.13182/NT73-A15877
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A fuel capsule vent system was developed and designed for the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) in support of the upcoming Viking mission to Mars. Helium is continuously produced within the fuel capsule as a result of isotopic decay. By venting the helium external to the RTG, the initial RTG fill gas is maintained for maximum thermal efficiency. This reduces degradation of thermoelectric converter performance and provides the maximum electrical power for the mission. The logic and analysis, which led to the selection of a closed helium storage system, were made.