Abstract: The EASI model is a single path analysis model to calculate the Probability of Interruption (PI) of a Physical Protection System (PPS) in a facility. However, the PI¬ value from the EASI model does not have uncertainty value, which is important to represent the confidence level on the performance of a PPS. A Monte […]
Remotely Accessible Radiation Detection Laboratory for Distance Education
Abstract: An essential part of any student’s curriculum in nuclear engineering is performing radiation detection experiments to gain a better understanding of the physical processes that are occurring. However, not all institutions are capable of providing the equipment or radiation sources necessary for such labs, nor do long-distance students have the ability to readily access […]
Group Hexavalent Actinide Separations: A New Approach to Used Nuclear Fuel Recycling
Abstract: This work demonstrates the first ever co-crystallization of Am(VI) with UO2(NO3)2·6H2O, a group co-crystallization of Np(VI)−Am(VI) with UO2(NO3)2·6H2O, a separation of An(VI) species from An(III) species, and a group separation of An(VI) from key fission products. This result opens the door to a new paradigm of nuclear fuel recycling, in which the bulk […]
Analysis of 10 CFR Part 810 General Authorization Data on Assistance to Foreign Atomic Energy Activities
Abstract: Under contractual agreement, Texas A&M has received and converted the Part 810 General Authorization data to a searchable format using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). In conjunction with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), applicable categories were chosen to group various report elements together in an Excel Spreadsheet. Example categories include, country of recipient, transfer dates, and […]
Development and Demonstration of an Ultra-Low-Background Liquid Scintillation Counter
Abstract: The Ultra-Low Background Liquid Scintillation Counter (ULB LSC) constructed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory further expands the capabilities of LSC by utilizing background reduction techniques to achieve lower minimum detectable activities, enhancing alpha and beta detection for samples that have previously required extended count times, large sample volumes, and/or complex separation chemistry. The three-chamber […]
A Game Theoretic Model of Mutual Benefits of Bilateral Nuclear Security Regimes
Abstract: Nation-states collaborate to achieve common goals. In the interest of advancing nuclear security globally, states have previously formed bilateral partnerships that allow two states to cooperate in such germane areas of the nuclear industry such as safeguarding nuclear material, securing nuclear weapons, and advancing peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. Specifically, some states collaborate in […]
Evaluating Minimum Detectable Activity as a Function of Velocity
Abstract: Radiation detectors are deployed for many different uses in a variety of different field conditions, and many of these detection systems are mobile. The efficiency of radiation detection systems is known to decrease as the speed of the detection system increases. Understanding how these systems perform under increasing speeds and in changing environments will […]
Evaluating the Proliferation Risk of Pyroprocessing
Abstract: This project attempts to determine how we can assure that pyroprocessing technology is not being utilized to divert nuclear material or to produce special nuclear materials for nuclear explosive devices. It also evaluates the weaknesses of nuclear material accounting for pyroprocessing and suggests improvements. One suggested method of achieving plutonium accounting for pyroprocessing is […]
Feasibility of Remote Nuclear Reactor Antineutrino Directionality via Elastic Electron Scattering in the WATer CHerenkov Monitor of ANtineutrinos
Abstract: Cubic meter sized liquid scintillator detectors have demonstrated that the operational status, power level, and changes in fuel composition of a critical nuclear reactor system can be remotely measured with the antineutrino signal. With the success of these detectors, research has been pursued in the scaling of the detector size to increase sensitivity […]
Parametric Study of molybdenum-99 Production using a Sub-critical Low Enriched Uranium Assembly Design Proposed by Niowave, Inc.
Abstract: The radioisotope, technetium-99m (99mTc with 6-hour half-life), is used in over 80% of diagnostic medical imaging and is the daughter product from the radioactive decay of the isotope, molybdenum-99 (99Mo with 66-hour half-life). 99Mo is a fission product, with a fission yield of 6.1%, and therefore can be produced by nuclear reactors or […]
The Nuclear Weapons Latency Value of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the Islamic Republic of Iran
Abstract: The historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was implemented on January 16, 2016 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the E3/EU+3. The JCPOA hopes to ensure that the nuclear program in Iran will exist solely for peaceful purposes. This agreement will end long-lasting and crippling sanctions enforced on Iran in exchange for […]
Preliminary Dose Assessment for Emergency Response Exercise at Disaster City
Abstract: The Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University currently supports emergency response exercises at Disaster City, a mock community used for emergency response training that features full-scale, collapsible structures designed to simulate various levels of disaster and wreckage. Several times a year, sealed radioactive sources are used at Disaster City to create radiation […]
Combined Safety and Security Risk Evaluation Considering Safety and Security-Type Initiating Events
Abstract: Destruction to critical nuclear infrastructures would have a debilitating effect on national public health safety, national economy, security, etc. For this reason, analysts perform safety risk analyses to quantify and understand the nature of unwanted events. Since the world has gone through many changes after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, nuclear security risk analysis […]
Nuclear Security Risk Evaluation Using Adversary Pathway Analysis Methodology for an Insider-Outsider Collusion Scenario
Abstract: Security preparedness went through several changes since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. Simultaneously there are growing terrorists concerns of attacking a nuclear facility for sabotage and for special nuclear material theft to meet their goals and ideologies. The destruction of critical nuclear infrastructure would have a devastating effect. Physical Protection Systems (PPS) […]
Methodology Development for Combined Evaluation of Security and Safety Risk
Abstract: Before a nuclear facility can be constructed, it must undergo rigorous analysis to ensure that the facility is secure against outside threats and that the facility can maintain operational safety. Traditionally, these safety and security analyses have been conducted separately, as if in a vacuum, despite the fact that security and safety can […]
Simulation of Nuclear Resonance Fluoresence for the Quantification of Plutonium-239 in Spent Nuclear Fuel
Abstract: There is a need for a technique that is able to timely and accurately quantify the amount of plutonium-239 in spent nuclear fuel. With the recent developments of mono-energetic gamma-ray systems it is possible to use Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence for this task. Previous gamma-ray sources for the technique were Bremsstrahlung sources. There was […]
Use of a High-Purity Germanium Semiconductor Detector for Rapid Post-Nuclear Event Forensics
Abstract: This work investigates the ability of a high-purity germanium detector to perform post-detonation forensics on the debris from several types of nuclear weapons 24 hours after detonation. The ultimate result of this analysis would be the deployment of this detector on an autonomous robot for sample collection and remote analysis. Monte Carlo N-Particle […]
The Safeguards Envelope Methodology
Abstract: A safeguards envelope is a set of operational and safeguards parameters that increases the confidence as to the location and assay of nuclear material. Facilities operating under safeguards envelopes operate under a higher confidence and lower false alarm rate with minimal operator impact. A full safeguards envelope gives a set of plant operator […]
Study of Future Safeguards Applications in North Korea
Abstract: This project is designed to show that it is possible to implement safeguards around a program like North Korea’s. The size of the program is small compared to other safeguarded programs, and showing that it is possible to safeguard a program of this size and scope would give diplomatic discussions another route to […]
Development of Advanced Safeguards Measurement Techniques Using the Coupled End-to-End (CETE) Demonstration at ORNL
Abstract: Creating a unique opportunity for students in the U.S., NSSPI is collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to develop advanced safeguards measurement techniques using the CETE demonstration. ORNL has acquired spent nuclear fuel to be reprocessed at a laboratory scale within their facilities under the Global Nuclear […]
Proliferation Resistance Methods Development
Abstract: Robust and reliable quantitative proliferation assessment tools are critical to a strengthened nonproliferation regime and to the future deployment of nuclear fuel cycle technologies. Efforts to quantify proliferation resistance have thus far met with limited success due to the inherent subjectivity of the problem and interdependencies between attributes that lead to proliferation resistance. We […]
Motivating Factors of States Seeking to Acquire Civil Nuclear Programs
Abstract: The methodology employed is that of quantitative empirical analysis, as is the cornerstone of the modern scientific approach to political science. The initial results consisted of a regression model of nuclear reliance (percentage of electricity generated within a state that stems from nuclear energy) against seven independent variables, with R2 value of 0.46, […]
Nuclear Weapons Latency
Abstract: Nuclear Weapons Latency is defined as the effective time for a non-nuclear weapon state to develop a conventionally deliverable nuclear weapon capability, given its position on a path toward or away from a nuclear weapon. Embedded in the effective latent time will be quantifications of a state\’s motivations and willingness to expend its resources […]
Design of a Safeguards Instrument for Plutonium Quantification in an Electrochemical Refining System
Abstract: There has been a strong international interest in using pyroprocessing to close the fast nuclear reactor fuel cycle and reprocess spent fuel efficiently. To commercialize pyroprocessing, safeguards technologies are required to be developed. In this research, the use of Self-Interrogation Neutron Resonance Densitometry (SINRD) has been investigated as a method to safeguard the […]
Post RDD-Scenario Dosimetry of Search and Rescue Dogs
Abstract: Following a radiological terrorist incident, search and rescue (SAR) teams may be deployed to search for victims. While SAR personnel wear protective equipment such as coveralls, gloves, and respirators, only limited protective equipment is available for search dogs, and actually limits their ability to maneuver around. This reduced ability leads the SAR dogs […]
Analyzing a General Smuggling Network to Optimize the Use of Radiation Portal Monitors for US Homeland Security
Abstract: Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) are presently deployed across the United States border to deter and defeat radiological and nuclear threats to the homeland. While many known border crossing points are covered, there remains an unknown number of unknown points of entry for potential RN smugglers. Decision makers must balance the placement of stationary RPMs […]
Analysis of a Centrifugally Tensioned Meta-Stable Fluid Detector for Use as a Real-Time Safeguard in a Reprocessing Facility
Abstract: The project is focused on analyzing a centrifugally tensioned meta-stable fluid detector (CTMFD) for use as a real-time safeguard in a reprocessing facility. To do this the CTMFD will be tested with external gamma sources to determine blindness, neutron sources to characterize the detector, and in- solution alpha sources to determine the ability […]
Development of Self-Interrogation Neutron Resonance Densitometry (SINRD) to Measure the Fissile Content in Nuclear Fuel
Abstract: The development of non-destructive assay (NDA) capabilities to directly measure the fissile content in spent fuel is needed to improve the timely detection of the diversion of significant quantities of fissile material. Currently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not have effective NDA methods to verify spent fuel and recover continuity of […]
Proliferation Resistance Analysis And Evaluation Tool for Observed Risk (PRAETOR)
Abstract: The PRAETOR (Proliferation Resistance Analysis and Evaluation Tool for Observed Risk) code is software developed to assess and evaluate the relative proliferation resistance of nuclear energy systems. The definition and features of proliferation resistance (PR) assumed in developing the code are the following. PR is defined as that characteristic of a nuclear energy system […]
Safeguards Instrumentation Development for Measuring Pu via Coincident Neutron-Gamma Signals
Abstract: This project is a feasibility study on a portable coupled gamma-neutron coincidence counter using He-3 tubes and LaBr nanoparticles that are being developed at LANL. It could result in a new type of coincidence counter that could have more reliable results with less associated error due to the use of both types of […]
Development of a Mass Verification Method For UREX+3a NPEX product Using an Active Well Coincidence Counter
Abstract: The ability of inspection agencies and facility operators to measure mixed oxide actinide powders is becoming increasingly necessary as reprocessing spent nuclear fuel becomes more attractive. The objective of this project is to develop a technique for verifying the bulk oxide masses from the reprocessing method Uranium Extraction (UREX+3a), in particular the product […]
Analysis of Radionuclide Deposition Ratios from the Fukushima-Daiichi Incident
Abstract: Consequence management radiological dose assessors make several assumptions in dose projections regarding radionuclide depositions following a radiological release from a nuclear power plant. During trainings and exercises these coordinators and dose assessors make assumptions that the radionuclide deposition ratios will remain constant, only varying in terms of radioactive decay and weathering. This assumption […]
Development Support for the Californium-Interrogation with Prompt Neutron (CIPN) Device for Spent Nuclear Fuel Measurements
Abstract: Californium-Interrogation with Prompt Neutron detection (CIPN) is an active interrogation technique developed under the Next Generation Safeguards Initiative Spent Fuel (NGSI-SF) effort to improve capability to quantify the plutonium (Pu) mass in, and detect the diversion of pins from, spent nuclear fuel assemblies with non-destructive assay (NDA) techniques. The CIPN detector consists of […]
Safeguards Approaches for Fast Breeder Reactors and Associated Fuel Cycle Facilities
Abstract: Fast breeder reactors with a closed fuel cycle (FBRFC) are important to the sustainability, reliability, and security of the world’s long-term energy supply. The attractiveness of FBRFC include the conversion of abundant fertile isotope 238U into fissile material 239Pu at rates faster than it is consumed (breeding); a hundred-fold energy extraction potential from […]
Investigation of Trace U-236 Content Variation in Geologic Uranium Deposits
Abstract: The objective of this work was to assess the feasibility of using the content of 236U in an unknown uranium ore concentrate (UOC) to determine the origin. The first step characterized relevant uranium ore bodies to determine relationships between geochemical properties and measured 236U content. The next goal defined the production/loss mechanisms for […]
Implementation of Integrated Planning Concept to Strengthen Indonesian Radiation Emergency Response Capabilities
Abstract: Radiological emergency response planning is an essential step prior to the development of nuclear power for any country. This planning must take into account each countries geological, environmental and cultural element. Indonesia has been considering the use of nuclear power for several years. Potential sites have been investigated and these have included in […]
Real-Time Detection Methods to Monitor TRU Composition in the UREX + Process Stream
Abstract: The Real-Time Detection Methods to Monitor TRU Composition in the UREX + Process Stream project is a large project consisting of three students and two professors from Texas A & M University and groups at Purdue University, University of Illinois, and Argonne National Laboratory. The sub-project that involves the NSSPI program consists of […]
Conceptual Development of Remote Monitoring System for PWR Spent Fuel Dry Cask Storage
Abstract: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs to enhance its capabilities for safeguarding spent nuclear fuel (SNF) stored in dry cask storage facilities and for maintaining persistent continuity of knowledge (CoK) about it. Current safeguards approach relies heavily upon containment and surveillance measures, where seals are placed inside and outside the dry cask. […]
Safety, Proliferation, and Economics Assessment of Small Modular Reactors
Abstract: A number of innovative small modular reactor (SMR) concepts are being developed within the US and internationally. These innovative SMR designs are being promoted with their unique safety, operational and economic features to suit customers unable to benefit from large nuclear power plant (NPP) deployments. Such customers may be those located in off-grid locations, […]
Encrypted Nanoparticles for Security, Counterindustrial Espionage, and Counterfeiting
Abstract: Acts of terrorism and the use of explosives raise concerns about what can be done to prevent such atrocities. From stopping such a threat to preventing the illicit counterfeiting and smuggling of sensitive and proprietary goods, identification taggant technology can be applied to identify and interdict materials of a dubious nature. This cost […]
Physical Security System Sensitivity to DBT Perturbations
Abstract: This project examines how perturbing selected adversary capabilities in a design basis threat (DBT) may affect the assessment of a facility’s security system performance. We found that using a strictly defined DBT to design and analytically test facility security systems can lead to invalid assessments that security measures are meeting standards. Design Basis […]
NRX Reactor Spent Fuel Study
Abstract: In safeguards and nonproliferation, we routinely need the ability to estimate isotopic inventories of spent fuel. However, those estimates are usually produced without reporting uncertainties which limit their usability. In this work, we describe a method for generating uncertainty estimates from Monte Carlo based reactor physics codes. We use the NRX reactor as […]
PNAR Measurements of Fugen Fuel
Abstract: The Next Generation Safeguards Initiative Spent Fuel (NGSI-SF) Project deployed a non- destructive assay (NDA) Passive Neutron Albedo Reactivity (PNAR) system to measure the heavy-water moderated, light-water cooled Fugen reactor fuel assemblies in June 2013. The NDA system combines the following NDA techniques: ( 1) PNAR, (2) total neutron, (3) total gamma and […]
Direction Sensitive Neutron Detectors for Border Monitoring
Abstract: Detection of neutrons in the field typically consists of measurements of charge deposition in a gaseous detector system. This method of detection results in relatively high efficiency, but pulse height analysis for neutron energy distributions and incident neutron direction is difficult if not impossible. In previous work, the preliminary analysis of a neutron […]
Mobile, Vehicle-Based Radiation Detection Systems Development
Abstract: Traditionally, radiation detection and environmental surveying have been performed with handheld or stationary devices. In today’s age, there is a higher concern for mobile threat sources such a “dirty bombs” and thus new techniques must be developed in order to efficiently survey and detect radiation sources in the field. Mobile, vehicle-mounted, radiation detection systems […]
Next Generation Nonproliferation Regime
Abstract: Forty years ago, the drafters of the original NPT dreamed of a world at the beginning of the 21st century that was at a lower threat of nuclear war than existed during the Cold War. To an extent, their work in drafting multilateral treaty signed by over 190 nations has staved off an […]
Radiation Detection Using Integrated Circuits
Abstract: Our work investigates a new technique in employing integrated circuits (ICs) as a new type of radiation detection media. As IC technology has advanced circuits on these chips are becoming increasingly sensitive to radiation damage and therefore fail to function properly. Researchers at Texas A&M University have been able to convert this disadvantage […]
Motivations of Proliferation
Abstract: Why do states pursue nuclear weapons? The choice to mobilize tremendous political, economic, technological, and human resources is no small one that is rarely entered into lightly. It is a choice of tremendous risk of high costs for only potential benefits and the possibility of more costs incurred. In 1984, Stephen Meyer set […]
Modeling Study of Proposed Field Calibration Source Using K-40 Source and High-Z Targets for Sodium Iodide Detector
Abstract: The Department of Energy (DOE) has ruled that all sealed radioactive sources, even those considered exempt under Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations, are subject to radioactive material controls. However, sources based on the primordial isotope 40K are not subject to these restrictions. 40K’s beta and gamma emissions could be used to produce x-rays in […]
SHIELD (Smuggled HEU Interdiction through Enhanced anaLysis and Detection): A Framework for Developing Novel Detection Systems Focused on Interdicting Shielded HEU
Abstract: See the SHIELD website; for the most complete information on this project. The growing violence in terrorist attacks has resulted in a greater awareness of the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism. Securing the borders from any attempt to transport a nuclear or radiological device into the U.S. is a critical need and […]
State-Level Nuclear Security Measures
Abstract: The modern nuclear community faces threats that necessitate the development of a new approach to nuclear security and risk management. Existing nuclear safeguards and security measures must be re-evaluated by each State to ensure that they are sufficiently resistant to all of the various threats that face them. The risks in any state will […]
Fluorescence Imaging for Nuclear Arms Control Verification
Abstract: Nuclear disarmament is a highly debated subject. Proponents argue that political conditions for nuclear disarmament are ripe. Opponents reason that dismantlement could create instability leading to a higher probability of nuclear war or large-scale conventional war. Verification of disarmament can help alleviate instabilities and as nuclear arsenals decrease, verifying actual warheads and not just […]
Measurement of Uranium in Bio Matrices for Nuclear Forensic Purposes
Abstract: A system for the analysis of urine bioassay samples for the purpose of inversely investigating an unknown exposure to uranium has been developed. This technique involves the use of a thin flow electrochemical cell in conjunction with an anodized glassy carbon electrode to selectively separate uranium atoms out of solution for later analysis […]
Analytical Inverse Model for Post Event Attribution of Plutonium
Abstract: An integral part of deterring nuclear terrorism is the swift attribution of any event to a particular state or organization. By quickly being able to identify the responsible party after a nuclear event, appropriate people may be held accountable for their actions. Currently, there is a system in place to determine the origin […]
Sensitivity Analysis for the GIRM and Other Related Techniques
Abstract: Verifying the production of fissile material in nuclear facilities is a key element in the efforts of nuclear nonproliferation. The production of fissile material can result from several processes. Some of these processes include the enrichment of uranium for fuel to power nuclear reactors, the production of plutonium within the fuel of a […]
Advancing Methods for Providing Attribution for the HEU Used in a Terrorist Nuclear Weapon
Abstract: An algorithm was developed that uses measured isotopic ratios from fission product residue following the detonation of a nuclear weapon to compute the original attributes of the nuclear material used in the weapon. While more accurate (and more computationally intensive) methods are being explored by others, the method described here could serve as […]
Investigating Correlated Neutrons from Pulsed Interrogation for Treaty Verification Applications
Abstract: The treaty verification field is of renewed importance as continued nuclear weapons disarmament is prioritized nationally in partnership with other nuclear weapons states. This interest has led to research and development on technologies that could support future U.S. verification missions. A technology employing pulses of high-energy photons from an electron linear accelerator is […]
The Nonproliferation Regime as a Legal Framework
Abstract: The broad objective of this project is to delineate the issues that keep the nonproliferation regime from achieving the status of a legal framework. This issue is highly multifaceted, and we have no illusion of being able to resolve it completely. What we do hope to achieve is a greater understanding of the […]
Miniature Distributed Detector Arrays Mounted on a Biological Sensor Platform
Abstract: We propose a novel methodology to conduct nuclear detection using roach-based sensors. This approach opens new areas of investigation and development in sensing technology and robust intelligence. This will advance the frontiers for disciplines in nuclear detection, cyborg insects, sensing and sensor systems, hybrid robots, and artificial intelligence. Our approach can also be […]
Measurement and Modeling of Shielding and Attenuation Effects on Radiation Portal Monitors
Abstract: The Second Line of Defense program has deployed a worldwide network of Radiation Portal Monitors to help stop the illicit trafficking of radioactive material. The detection of this type of material can be affected by the spatial and temporal changes in natural background radiation (NBR). Work on this project has focused on NBR […]
Transparency Methods Development using Fission Product Signatures
Abstract: A method for unique identification of spent nuclear fuel has been developed in order to enhance transparency in international safeguards. Demand for nuclear power is experiencing a worldwide surge. This surge requires enhanced transparency methods for use by the IAEA and those responsible for safeguarding the world’s nuclear material. Previous methods existed to […]
Safeguards System Concept for Pebble-fueled High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor
Abstract: The pebble bed modular reactor was first developed by Germany in the 1950s. More recently, the design has been embraced by the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. Unlike light water reactors that generate heat from fuel assemblies comprised of fuel rods, pebble-fueled HTGRs utilize thousands of 60-mm diameter […]
Terrorism Pathway Analysis and Assessments
Abstract: The post September 11th world has shown the U.S. that it is a country with many enemies and enemies who are much more capable than perhaps previously believed. This threat is magnified by the fact that many of our adversaries are not sovereign nations that can be dealt with diplomatically or even with open […]
Assessment of the Fingerprinting Method for Verification of Spent Fuel in MACSTOR KN-400 CANDU Spent Fuel Dry Storage
Abstract: The Republic of Korea currently has 16 pressurized water reactors around the country and 4 CANDU reactors at Wolsong site. As the Wolsong site has not enough space for further extension of its existing more than 300 dry storage casks (also known as silo or canister), the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power decided […]
Attributing the Source of Spent Fuel Used in an RDD Event
Abstract: An RDD attack against the U.S. is something America needs to prepare against. If such an event occurs the ability to quickly identify the source of the radiological material used in an RDD would aid investigators in identifying the perpetrators. Spent fuel is one of the most dangerous possible radiological sources for an […]
Exploration of Ion-Exchanged Glass for Seals Applications
Abstract: As the nuclear industry grows around the globe, it brings with it a need for more safeguards and proliferation resistant technologies. Tags and seals are an area where innovation has been relatively stagnant for the past fifteen years. Seals are used to maintain the integrity of monitoring enclosures, containers, or perhaps a point […]
Inverse Transport for Border Monitoring
Abstract: Radiation portal monitors are being deployed at border crossings in the U.S. and abroad to help prevent smuggling of nuclear and radiological materials; however, balancing security with the free-flow of commerce is not an easy task. Delays caused by portal monitors can have major economic implications. With the land border crossings, there are […]
Quantitative NDA Measurements of Advanced Reprocessing Product Materials
Abstract: The ability of inspection agencies and facility operators to measure powders containing several actinides is increasingly necessary as new reprocessing techniques and fuel forms are being developed. These powders are difficult to measure with nondestructive assay (NDA) techniques because neutrons emitted from induced and spontaneous fission of different nuclides are very similar. A […]
Effective Contamination Detection for Livestock Following a Radiological Event
Abstract: Livestock and companion animals are valuable economically and emotionally in the economy of many states and to their citizens. In a radiological emergency situation, the loss of a large amount of livestock could be devastating to a state or national economy. If such an event occurred, there are currently no screening and decontamination […]
Plutonium Fingerprinting for Forensics (PuFF) Project
Abstract: This project will use computational and experimental methods to determine whether it is possible to reliably predict and measure a unique intrinsic physical signature in weapons-grade plutonium (Pu) produced in reactors of foreign nuclear fuel cycles. The particular fuel types of interest are fast breeder reactor (FBR) depleted uranium (U) blankets and CANDU-type […]
Correlates of Sensitive Technologies
Abstract: This project was funded by the US-DOE\’s Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP) and is a collaboration between NSSPI Associate Director for International Programs Dr. Paul Nelson, Dr. Matt Fuhrmann, a faculty member in the TAMU Department of Political Science, and Garill Coles of Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. The project seeks to combine the capabilities […]
Improved Safety Margin Characterization of Risk from Loss of Offsite Power
Abstract: Hess et al. (ICONE18, 2009) suggest research is needed in support of the Risk-Informed Safety Margin Characteristic (RISMC) methodology in order “to address completeness of analysis, treatment of uncertainty, and efficiency of computation so that more accurate and cost-effective techniques can be used to address safety margin characterizations.” The proposed project directly supports […]
Bent-Crystal Spectrometer Analyzing Plutonium K X-Rays for Applications in Nuclear Forensics
Abstract: The ability to quickly quantify the Pu content within spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is essential to nuclear forensics. Analysis of the Pu PuU to U UPu ratio can provide information on fuel and reactor history, including age, burnup and reactor typewhich could contribute to the attribution of a fuel sample. Plutonium concentration data […]
The Effect of Deep U.S. Nuclear Force Reductions on Nuclear Proliferation and Deterrence
Abstract: Recently, President Barack Obama urged the international community to work towards nuclear disarmament. The United States, he declared, would take the lead to a nuclear-free world by reducing its nuclear arsenal. Such a move would signal a stronger U.S. commitment to the non-proliferation regime, which calls for the nuclear powers to eventually relinquish […]
Technical Analyses of the U.S.-India Nuclear Accord
Abstract: Since shortly after the July 18, 2005 statement released by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, NSSPI has supported a variety of technically based analyses aimed at thoroughly understanding the implications of various directions the agreement for civil nuclear cooperation could take. Here “implications” include consequences of both the intended enhancement […]
Novel Detection Technologies for Safeguards and Security Applications
Abstract: Novel detection technologies designed specifically for safeguards and security applications can provide breakthrough solutions for critical nuclear problems. NSSPI researchers have identified interesting new detection approaches which may offer significant performance improvements for certain applications in the safeguards and security arena. Preliminary investigations have shown that acoustic dissipation may be useful for detecting […]
Uncertainty Quantification for Nuclear Forensic Model Computations
Abstract: This effort will develop the theoretical basis for the application of stochastic uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods to nuclear forensic computational models. This project will build on specific nuclear forensics models developed by NSSPI, such as the spent fuel RDD model and the post-detonation material attribution model for Pu and HEU based INDs to […]