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Division Spotlight
Mathematics & Computation
Division members promote the advancement of mathematical and computational methods for solving problems arising in all disciplines encompassed by the Society. They place particular emphasis on numerical techniques for efficient computer applications to aid in the dissemination, integration, and proper use of computer codes, including preparation of computational benchmark and development of standards for computing practices, and to encourage the development on new computer codes and broaden their use.
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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Reboot: Nuclear needs a success . . . anywhere
The media have gleefully resurrected the language of a past nuclear renaissance. Beyond the hype and PR, many people in the nuclear community are taking a more measured view of conditions that could lead to new construction: data center demand, the proliferation of new reactor designs and start-ups, and the sudden ascendance of nuclear energy as the power source everyone wants—or wants to talk about.
Once built, large nuclear reactors can provide clean power for at least 80 years—outlasting 10 to 20 presidential administrations. Smaller reactors can provide heat and power outputs tailored to an end user’s needs. With all the new attention, are we any closer to getting past persistent supply chain and workforce issues and building these new plants? And what will the election of Donald Trump to a second term as president mean for nuclear?
As usual, there are more questions than answers, and most come down to money. Several developers are engaging with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or have already applied for a license, certification, or permit. But designs without paying customers won’t get built. So where are the customers, and what will it take for them to commit?
C. L. Schuske, S. J. Altschuler
Nuclear Technology | Volume 19 | Number 2 | August 1973 | Pages 84-95
Technical Paper | Chemical Processing | doi.org/10.13182/NT73-A31323
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A model has been developed for calculating critically safe storage arrays of cylindrical vessels containing water/fissile oxide mixtures of PuO2 (96% 239Pu and 4% 240Pu) or UO2 (93.4% 235U and 6.6% 238U). It was assumed that these arrays were in air surrounded by a 12-in.-thick concrete vault. This model uses the concepts of surface density and unit surface-to-volume ratio to define safe array parameters. The model handles fissile densities ranging from that of the theoretical crystal down to ∼1kg/liter and containers whose shapes range from 300-cm-high thin cylinders to flat slab-shaped containers. Correction factors for dry oxide storage at various densities have also been developed for the cases where water can be prevented from entering the oxide containers. A considerably greater weight of oxide can be stored when water can be precluded. The effect of several inches of water on the concrete floor lowers keff ∼3%. (The units are assumed to be at least 12 in. above the floor.)
