International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology (11 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Comparison of TRIGA reactor steady-state thermal-hydraulic predictions by COMSOL multiphysics with experimental data  
  by Ahmed K. Alkaabi, Jeffrey King 
  Abstract: This paper presents United States Geological Survey TRIGA one- and multiple-channel thermal hydraulic (TH) models developed using the COMSOL code to examine the effects of coolant cross-flow on coolant, cladding, and fuel temperatures. There are considerable variations in the profiles of the coolant axial temperatures and outlet temperatures as predicted by multiple-channel model from those predicted by the one-channel model. The one-channel model forecasts that the temperature of the coolant within the fuel rings increases axially with the height of the core, whereas the temperature of the coolant predicted by the multiple-channel model increases as a function of core height in the B-, C-, and D-rings, peaks and then reduces within the E-, F-, and G-rings. Within the multiple-channel model, the coolant appears to flow from the cores outermost opening at the lower side to the centre of the core. Finally, predictions of all models are benchmarked with the experimental data.
  Keywords: TRIGA reactors; multiple-channel models; thermal hydraulic analysis.
  
  
• Effect of nanovoids on the displacement cascades and mechanical properties in INCOLOY-800H: A molecular dynamics study  
  by M. Mustafa Azeem 
  Abstract: Nickel-based alloys are candidate materials for high-temperature applications due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties than zirconium alloys. However, they are susceptible to the formation of voids and defects at the interfaces between two metallic layers. We have used molecular dynamics simulation to study the interaction of nanovoids created at the multi-layered metallic composite (MMLC) interfaces. We considered the INCOLOY 800H-Ni MMLC as the model material and investigated the effect of nanovoid of different sizes (r~1-4nm) at the interfaces under simulated at 1000K. The collision cascade is simulated by performing 1, 5, and 10 keV randomly selected primary knock-on atoms (PKA) in the Incoloy part. We investigated the evolution of damage cascades at the interface, revealing the presence of a critical nanovoid size below which the nanovoids are not stable under irradiation, i.e., rcritical 2 nm. The damage cascade profile is independent of the incident energy of PKA. The presence of nanovoids at the interface act as a sink for radiation defects.
  Keywords: molecular dynamics; nanovoids; irradiation; mechanical properties.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2023.10059803
   
  
• Assessment of electromagnetic radiation in faculty of science at Kufa University, Iraq  
  by Lubna Alasadi, Rafal Abdulsada 
  Abstract: This work points to the study of the effects of electromagnetic radiations (electric and magnetic fields) on human health (brain) in 37 locations covering all locations in the Faculty of Science at Kufa University in Al-Najaf City, Iraq. The practical readings for each location were done using a JD-3001 Geiger counter, a dosimeter detector type. It is a portable device from Dongguan Jinlide Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., China, produced in 2022. The relation between temperature and humidity with electric and magnetic fields shows that according to the tables and correlation relations, humidity did not affect the electric and magnetic fields, meaning there is no significant relation at p < 0.05, but otherwise for the magnetic field. Finally, all values of the electric field, magnetic field, power density and specific absorption radiation are low than the acceptable recommendation values of 1 mwatt/m2 and 2 watt/kg, respectively, recommended by the International Commission of Nonionisation Radiation Protection, and did not pose any harm to the human bodys health.
  Keywords: electromagnetic radiation; electric field; magnetic field; power density; specific absorption radiation; faculty of science; Kufa University.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2024.10069105
   
  
• Strength verification and design enhancement of the NUR nuclear research reactor cooling system  
  by Mourad Dougdag, Mohamed Azzoune, Nacim Mellel, Nabil Barbeche 
  Abstract: The NUR Nuclear Research Reactor (NRR) is a 1 MW MTR/LEUfuelled, light-water moderated and cooled graphite-reflected, open-pool-type. The nominal power (1 MW) has been identified as insufficient power to meet certain nuclear application requirements. Therefore, a reactor upgrading project has been launched to modify the reactor core and the cooling system configuration in order to increase its irradiation capacity. In this paper, a review of the redesign works and vibration tests carried out on the cooling system with a new primary pump and a new heat exchanger are exclusively presented. These tests were performed on the existing cooling system to ensure that the system is capable of receiving and supporting the new equipment before beginning the numerical design of the new cooling system. The results of the feasibility tests were generally acceptable and demonstrated the ability of the actual primary circuit to support further changes while meeting safety and reliability standards. The first design proposal for the primary cooling system was reconsidered due to safety and reliability criteria. Finally, a proposal was made which consists of improving the performance of the primary pump and the secondary cooling circuit.
  Keywords: nuclear engineering; NUR reactor primary cooling; stress analysis; modal analysis; numerical verification; safety and reliability criteria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2024.10071427
   
  
• Radiological hazard from natural radioactivity in fertilisers samples of Al-Abbasiyah City, Al-Najaf Governorate  
  by Mohammed Baker Salam, Hayder Hamza Hussein, Ali Abid 
  Abstract: In the present work, natural radionuclides such as uranium-238 (238U), thorium-232 (232Th) and potassium-40 (40K) were determined for fertiliser samples commonly used in agricultural areas of Al-Abbasiyah City, Al-Najaf Governorate. Samples of fertiliser were divided into two types DAP and UREA which are made in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Twelve (12) radiological hazard indexes due to inhalation by farmers were also estimated. The average value of the activity with standard error for 238U, 232Th and 40K in DAP samples were 16.9
  Keywords: radiological hazard; fertiliser; agricultural area; gamma-ray; NaI(Tl); Iraq.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10071862
   
  
• Improving control performance in nuclear steam generator level control system with feedforward controller and parameter tuning  
  by Gunyaz Ablay 
  Abstract: U-tube steam generator level control systems are not very efficient, especially at reactor startup and low power levels, and their poor performance is the major contributor to the nuclear power plant unavailability. On the other hand, nuclear power plants require proven technology for safety and reliability reasons, and implementation of new control algorithms is strictly limited. In this work, the proven three-element control structure of the UTSG water level control system is redesigned to provide robust reference tracking and load rejection performance over the entire reactor power operating range. The optimal control gains are calculated from stochastic optimization techniques, including particle swarm optimization and lightning search algorithms. It is shown that the proposed control strategies provide optimal and robust water level tracking with a single controller over the entire power operating range in the presence of parameter uncertainties and steam flowrate load disturbances.
  Keywords: steam generator; level control; optimal control; PSO; LSA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2024.10071863
   
  
• Chemical composition analysis of argan kernel, leaves and shell from the Oujda region using neutron activation analysis technique at CNESTEN-Morocco  
  by Abdelwahab Badague, Hamid Bounouira, Chakir Elmhjoub, Abdessamad Didi, Hamid Amsil, Iliasse Aarab, Sanaa Said, Hanane Zefti 
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the elemental composition of different parts of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), including the kernel, leaves, and shells, using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), a highly sensitive and non-destructive technique Argan tree, valued for their nutritional and cosmetic uses, were collected from Moroccan Oujda region The analysis was conducted using the k0-standardization method of NAA at the TRIGA Mark II research reactor (2 MW) at the National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology (CNESTEN) To ensure accurate results, certified reference materials (IAEA-336 lichens) were simultaneously analysed with the samples, showing a high level of agreement between the certified and measured values The study identifies concentrations of both major and trace elements in the different part of argan tree, providing important insights into their nutritional profile, potential environmental and health benefits These findings offer valuable data for the agricultural, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries and highlight the effectiveness of NAA for detailed elemental analysis in plant research.
  Keywords: k0-Standardisation method; Neutron activation analysis; Argan; Oujda region; Trace and major element.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10071864
   
  
• Leveraging nuclear gamma technology for the sustainable preservation and quality improvement of spices  
  by Abdessamad Didi, Taibi Zidouz, Hamid Amsil, Fouad Taous, Kabbour Ben Hamou, Abdelkarim Eljabouri, Iliasse Aarab, Abdelwahab Badague, Aziz El Fllaoui, Abdeslem Rrhioua, Sadoune Zouhair, Krim Mustapha 
  Abstract: This study assesses the effectiveness of gamma irradiation in enhancing the quality and preserving the freshness of spices, specifically fenugreek, black pepper, turmeric and ginger. Analytical techniques such as gamma spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and bacteriology were used to examine the physical, chemical and biological properties of these spices before and after irradiation. The results show that gamma irradiation significantly reduces the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and insects, as evidenced by a decrease in Colony-Forming Units (CFU) from 5
  Keywords: gamma irradiation; dose measurement; irradiation parameters; spice quality; Kerma rate.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10071865
   
  
• Electron scattering form factors of 24Mg, 28Si and 32S: a shell model study with core polarisation  
  by Aseel H. AbdulRidha, Fouad Majeed, Fatima M. Hussain 
  Abstract: The nuclear shell model and electron scattering theory offer a solid basis for estimating electron scattering form factors. This study uses shell model calculations to determine the longitudinal electron scattering form factors for 24Mg, 28Si, and 32S nuclei, aiming to improve understanding of nuclear structure within the sd-shell region. The objective is to compute and analyse elastic (C0) and inelastic (C2 and C4) form factors for 24Mg, 28Si, and 32S nuclei, and compare them with experimental data for validation. Form factors were calculated using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock method with SK35, Wood-Saxon, and Harmonic Oscillator parametrisations. The Tassie model was used with effective charges to include core-polarisation effects. Shell model calculations used the USDA interaction in the sd-shell space. Theoretical form factors showed excellent agreement with experimental data, confirming model validity. Shell model predictions, including CP effects, reliably describe sd-shell nuclear structure and electron scattering.
  Keywords: core-polarisation effects; electron scattering form factors; nuclear shell model; sd-shell nuclei; Tassie model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10072044
   
  
• Assessment of annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk due to natural gamma radiation in selected residential buildings in Erbil City, Iraq  
  by Sardar Othman, Khdr Husen, Ali Ahmad 
  Abstract: The global concern over gamma irradiation is a substantial issue that encompasses both indoor and outdoor environments. In order to achieve this objective, an initial assessment of absorbed gamma dose rates was conducted at around 80 monitoring locations situated within specific residential structures in Erbil, Iraq. This represents the first instance of conducting such measures within this particular environment. A Geiger Muller digital survey metre was used to quantify gamma exposure at each monitoring station, 1 metre above ground. Additionally, a GPS device was used to correctly capture coordinates. The average absorbed gamma dose rates observed were 0.161 1 Sv.h1 for indoor environments and 0.136 1 Sv.h1 for outdoor environments. The average Annual Effective Doses (AED) for these areas were found to be 1.129 mSv.y1 and 0.239 mSv.y1 for indoor and outdoor environments, respectively. Additionally, the study found an Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) of 4.7
  Keywords: gamma dose rate; indoor; outdoor; AED; annual effective dose; ELCR; excess lifetime cancer.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10072033
   
  
• Simulation of the nuclei shapes of radioactive radon isotopes according to their deformation parameters and radii  
  by Duaa Abed, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, Muayad Abed 
  Abstract: Radon gas, a colourless, odourless radioactive gas from uranium, is of increasing interest due to its health and environmental impact, and its potential use in renewable energy. The study investigated the shapes of radon element even-even nuclei, which included studying the deformation parameters in two ways, the first derived from the value of the electrical transition probability B(E2). Where the highest value was at atomic mass number (228) by (0.2643) and the lowest value at atomic mass number (212) by (0.0620). The second method involved determining the deformation parameters () based on the value of the electric quadruple moment (Qo), where the highest value was (0.2121) and the lowest value was (0.0495) at atomic mass numbers (228) and (212) respectively. Additionally, the root mean square of the radius (r) was calculated. The research indicates that even-even nucleons have spherical shapes and small deformation, while those near a magic number have flat or elliptical shapes.
  Keywords: radon; root mean square; deformation parameters.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10072095