This article demonstrates the feasibility of converting Iran’s 40MWt heavy-water research reactor at Arak (the IR-40) to use low-enriched uranium fuel in order to slow the production of weapon-usable plutonium. Two methods are proposed, and both retain identical power density, thermal-hydraulic, and safety profiles as the original design and require no physical alteration of the core. They can ...

Mixed oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel containing enriched uranium and isotopes of plutonium presents a challenge for monitoring occupational exposure using direct in vivo measurements because photons from U and Am will confound evaluation of plutonium in the lungs. MOX is a unique blend of enriched uranium and plutonium that can be used in place of traditional enriched uranium fuel in commercial press...

India's nuclear power program is based on indigenous materials and technology, with the potential for providing energy security for many centuries. This paper examines the technical validity of this plan, specifically the role of breeder reactors for extending the domestic uranium supplies. Our study shows breeding is unlikely to occur at anywhere near the rates envisioned, leading to a slow gr...

The greatest potential risks in the photovoltaic (PV) fuel cycle probably are associated with using some hazardous substances during cell material production and module manufacturing. To investigate the characteristics of these risks, we first identified the types and amounts of hazardous substances used during the life cycle of PV systems. Then, we estimated the normalized risks, i.e., acciden...

by Joel I. Cehn R«Leports of clusters of cases of disease, allegedly resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation, frequently appear in the press. To the laymen, these reports are difficult to interpret and are often frightening. How do we evaluate such reports? A cluster of disease cases refers to what appears to be an unusual increase in the number of cases. Such clusters can occur either in...

Multi-element content and uranium (U) isotopes were investigated in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (native and transplants) sampled across a 60-km transect, centred on Karabash smelter town, from Turgoyak Lake (SW) to Kyshtym (NE) to investigate the origin of U. Kyshtym was the site of a major nuclear accident in 1957. (234)U/(238)U activity ratios in native thalli sampled during July 2001 were...

The front-end of the nuclear fuel cycle encompasses several chemical and physical processes used to acquire prepare uranium for use in a reactor. These same can also be weapons or nefarious purposes, necessitating need technical means help detect, investigate, prevent material technology. Over past decade, significant research effort has investigated compounds associated with cycle, including o...