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Division Spotlight
Reactor Physics
The division's objectives are to promote the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena characterizing nuclear reactors and other nuclear systems. The division encourages research and disseminates information through meetings and publications. Areas of technical interest include nuclear data, particle interactions and transport, reactor and nuclear systems analysis, methods, design, validation and operating experience and standards. The Wigner Award heads the awards program.
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.
L. J. Mullins, J. A. Leary
Nuclear Technology | Volume 6 | Number 4 | April 1969 | Pages 287-297
Technical Papers and Note | doi.org/10.13182/NT69-A28336
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The successful utilization of 238Pu as a biomedical radioisotopic power source requires that the external radiation of 238Pu be understood quantitatively and kept to a minimum. To achieve these objectives 238Pu metal (80 at.% 238Pu) of high chemical purity has been prepared and characterized. An electrorefining process was developed to prepare the metal on a 1-cm3 scale. The neutron emission rate of three lots of electrorefined metal was 2446 (±30) n/sec per gram Pu. Correcting this measured rate for chemical impurities and fast fission gives a spontaneous fission rate of 2234 n/sec per gram Pu, or 2800 n/sec per gram of 238Pu. Neutron and gamma dose rates were also measured. Plutonium-238-gallium alloy, 238PuO2, and 238PuN were prepared and evaluated as radioisotopic heat sources.
