Most recent issue published online for the Atoms for Peace: an International Journal.

Non-destructive analysis of concrete for corrosion studies using nuclear technique

A.A. Naqvi — 2010-02-05T23:20:50-05:00

Non-destructive analysis of concrete for corrosion studies using nuclear technique
A.A. Naqvi, M.M. Nagadi, M.A. Garwan, O.S.B. Al-Amoudi, M. Maslehuddin, Khateeb-ur-Rehman, M. Raashid
Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2010) pp. 65 - 83
Chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion is the principal cause of deterioration of concrete structures in the Arabian Gulf and the world over. Preventive measures against corrosion require maintaining the chloride and sulphate concentration in concrete below the threshold limits specified by the standards. This requires monitoring the chloride and sulphate concentration in concrete, and a nondestructive technique is preferable for this purpose. The Prompt-Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) technique can be used to monitor the concentration of corrosive elements in concrete specimens. An accelerator-based PGNAA setup has been developed to measure the chloride and sulphate concentration in concrete. The PGNAA technique has been utilised successfully to measure the elemental composition of concrete. In this regard, several studies were undertaken to determine the calcium, silicon, chloride and sulphate concentration in the concrete specimens. Furthermore, the concentration of compounds, such as lime and silica was also determined. The results of these studies along with a description of the facility are presented in this paper.

The nanoparticles of BaSO4:Eu as detectors for high doses of different ionising radiations

Numan Salah — 2010-02-05T23:20:50-05:00

The nanoparticles of BaSO4:Eu as detectors for high doses of different ionising radiations
Numan Salah, Sami S. Habib, Zishan H. Khan, S.P. Lochab
Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2010) pp. 84 - 92
Nanoparticles of a BaSO4:Eu phosphor with a particle size of around 40 nm have been irradiated by 48 MeV 7Li3+, 75 MeV C6+ and 90 MeV O7+ ion beams at the fluence range of 1 ∼ l09–1 ∼ 1013 ions/cm2. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves of the irradiated samples were recorded and studied. The microcrystalline form of this sample is included in the study with the aim of reporting a comparative measurement. The TL results of this material in its nano- and microforms exposed to the gamma rays of 60Co are also included and investigated in more detail. It is observed that the glow curves of the nanomaterial exposed to these ions are similar to that exposed to gamma rays, with a dosimetric peak at 462 K beside a smaller one at 503 K, while those of the microcrystalline sample exposed to both ion beams and gamma rays have their prominent peak at 503 K beside a smaller one at 462 K. The observed TL sensitivity of the nanocrystalline material is less than that of the microcrystalline sample at low fluences/doses, while it is more at higher fluences/doses. This nanophosphor exhibits a linear/sublinear TL response to energetic ions and gamma radiation over a very wide range of exposures, which is much wider compared to that of its microcrystalline counterpart. This makes the nanostructural form of BaSO4:Eu useful to estimate the high doses of different ionising radiations that are in use for radiotherapy or food/seed irradiation.

Are sensitive technologies enablers of civil nuclear power? An empirical study

Paul Nelson — 2010-02-05T23:20:50-05:00

Are sensitive technologies enablers of civil nuclear power? An empirical study
Paul Nelson, Christopher M. Sprecher
Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2010) pp. 93 - 112
In order to better understand, quantitatively and objectively, the factors that have been associated with the extent to which a given state relies on nuclear energy to generate electricity (termed 'nuclear reliance' (NR)), regression analysis was applied to a set of 14 hypothesised independent variables having associated measures constructed from a database assembled for this purpose. That process led to a linear model with five independent variables that collectively predict NR with high confidence (p < 0.05, for all predictors) and acceptable goodness of fit (R² = 0.53). This basic linear model was then employed as a tool to analyse several more-or-less current topics related to proliferation. These include the historical effectiveness of the nonproliferation regime, as regards the spread of sensitive fuel-cycle technologies; the premise underlying (fuel) assurance programmes, as intended to ensure access to (insensitive) nuclear materials and technology, in return for forgoing development of sensitive technologies; and the persistent lack of recipient states willing to accept the bargain underlying assurance programmes.

Using nuclear accelerator technology to make intense X-rays

Herman Winick — 2010-02-05T23:20:50-05:00

Using nuclear accelerator technology to make intense X-rays
Herman Winick
Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2010) pp. 113 - 129
Electron accelerators, originally developed for nuclear and high energy physics research, have become by far the most intense infrared, ultraviolet and X-ray sources in the world. The increase in availability of these sources (there are now about 60 in operation around the world) has had a revolutionary effect on many branches of basic and applied research resulting in a major impact on science and society in developing countries as well as in technologically well-developed countries. Synchrotron radiation facilities in developing countries have produced hundreds of PhD students who did not have to leave their country, and they have attracted dozens of mid-career scientists to return to their country of origin, where they can continue to perform frontier research. In addition, scientists in these developing countries are able to use intense synchrotron radiation to address local environmental and biomedical issues and concerns. This paper presents: 1) a brief historical account of the development of synchrotron radiation sources from the first to the fourth generation; 2) a summary of the properties of synchrotron radiation; 3) an overview of synchrotron radiation facilities in developing countries; 4) a description of the UNESCO-sponsored Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) project which is constructing a regional, international third-generation synchrotron radiation research centre in the Middle East in close analogy to CERN.

Global nuclear crisis

Manisha Shekhar — 2010-02-05T23:20:50-05:00

Global nuclear crisis
Manisha Shekhar
Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2010) pp. 130 - 142
We are living in a world rife with many types of crises. The most prominent and urgent crisis involves the Earth's ecology. Environmental crises involving ozone depletion, global warming, toxic and radioactive wastes, air pollution, industrial accidents, etc., are affecting communities around the world. This paper examines changes in crisis management theory and practice. In the past two decades, much progress has been made in our understanding of industrial and environmental crises. However, our understanding remains highly fragmented and selective. We need to integrate diverse findings and cumulatively build on past knowledge. To do this, the concept of sustainable development provides a unifying motif. Some research questions that deserve urgent attention are identified in this paper.

Book Review: Abolishing Nuclear Weapons by George Perkovich and James M. Acton

Paul Nelson — 2010-02-05T23:20:50-05:00

Book Review: Abolishing Nuclear Weapons by George Perkovich and James M. Acton
Paul Nelson
Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2010) pp. 143 - 172
Abolishing Nuclear Weapons, by George Perkovich and James M. Acton. London, International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2008. Adelphi Paper No. 396.