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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
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
NRC engineers share their expertise at the University of Puerto Rico
Robert Roche-Rivera and Marcos Rolón-Acevedo are licensed professional engineers who work at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. They are also alumni of the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez (UPRM) and have been sharing their knowledge and experience with students at their alma mater since last year, serving as adjunct professors in the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. During the 2023–2024 school year, they each taught two courses: Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering, and Nuclear Power Plant Engineering.
Richard L. Reed, Eva C. Uribe, Louise G. Evans
Nuclear Technology | Volume 209 | Number 1 | January 2023 | Pages 105-114
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2022.2109098
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This work presents a novel monitoring method for detecting material loss from the decay inventory of the molten salt breeder reactor (MSBR) by monitoring for changes to the system dynamics using an isotopic ratio. The isotopic masses in the decay inventory of a MSBR were simulated under several material loss scenarios. In each case, the ratio of 231Pa to 233Pa served as a sensitive and lasting indicator of material loss. This isotope ratio quickly decreased outside the normal range after a material loss, and the ratio remained depressed for several years after the loss. The dynamics of this ratio were driven by the periodic batch discard from the decay inventory every 220 days, which was specified in the MSBR design to periodically remove fission product buildup. For this method, isotopic ratios were found to be rapid and enduring indicators of inventory change if they comprise a pair with a short half-life (e.g., 233Pa) and a long half-life (e.g., 231Pa) relative to the effective half-life induced by the driving system process (e.g., the batch discard cycle). Using such an isotope pair enabled a method to monitor for changes to the effective half-life of the system and by extension changes to the system inputs and outputs.