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Division Spotlight
Human Factors, Instrumentation & Controls
Improving task performance, system reliability, system and personnel safety, efficiency, and effectiveness are the division's main objectives. Its major areas of interest include task design, procedures, training, instrument and control layout and placement, stress control, anthropometrics, psychological input, and motivation.
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.
G. L. Copeland, R. G. Donnelly, W. R. Martin
Nuclear Technology | Volume 16 | Number 1 | October 1972 | Pages 226-237
Technical Paper | Reactor Materials Performance / Material | doi.org/10.13182/NT72-A31189
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Boron carbide is the prime candidate material for neutron absorbers in fast breeder reactors and the Fast Test Reactor. Important data required for design of control rods for these reactors concern swelling, gas release, and structural integrity of boron carbide under the expected operating conditions. Data for irradiations of boron carbide powders in a thermal reactor and powders and pellets in a fast reactor are presented and discussed in terms of expected performance in a fast reactor. The most important variable in determining irradiation behavior appears to be the mobility of the helium produced relative to the rate it is produced. The helium is not trapped in the lattice but precipitates. Denuded zones and absence of bubbles on grain boundaries suggest that helium diffuses rapidly along the grain boundaries. This is a major source of gas release.