International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology (10 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
   
  
• Radium and uranium assessment in some samples of dishwashing liquid of Iraqi markets  
  by Adnan Oraibi, Ali Abid, Ali Jassim 
  Abstract: In the present work, alpha emitters measure radionuclides to 226Ra and 238Uconcentrations for commonly used dishwashing liquid samples collected from the market of Iraq, using LR-115 Type II. The results show that data of specific activity (in unit Bq/L) of 226Ra and 238U in samples under study varied from 0.588 to 0.064 with an average value of 0.24
  Keywords: radium-226; uranium-238; dishwashing liquid; LR-115 detector; and Iraqi markets.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074220
   
  
• Development of multipath vulnerability analysis methodology for physical protection systems of complex nuclear facilities with incorporation of uncertainty in the parameters  
  by Helen Mariam Tony, Archana Yadav, Alpana Goel 
  Abstract: In an era of rapid technological advancements in nuclear and allied techniques, the significance of nuclear security and the implementation of robust physical protection systems for critical facilities cannot be overstated. As custodians of nuclear resources, ensuring the highest level of security is essential. Physical Protection Systems are designed, evaluated, and implemented to safeguard nuclear and radiological materials and associated facilities against potential and emerging threats. This study focuses on improvising a methodology for estimating the risk associated with nuclear facilities by analyzing multiple intrusion paths an adversary may attempt. The developed methodology, termed Multi-Path Adversary Probability Prediction System with incorporation of uncertainties is applied here to assess the security of nuclear facility, thereby enhancing the overall security framework. The layout and the corresponding adversary sequence diagram for a hypothetical nuclear facility are developed for performing multi-path adversary sequence analysis by Python code, with values of the physical protection systems elements such as, probability of detection and time delay obtained from literature.
  Keywords: risk; security; physical protection system; ASD; adversary sequence diagram; MAPPS; multi-path analysis of physical protection system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074221
   
  
• Comparison between uranium concentrations in urine samples from patients with kidney failure and healthy controls, Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq  
  by Falah Oudah, Anees Al-Hamzawi, Mohamed A. Shaheed, Khaled Mohammed, Emad Taih, Ihsan Shia 
  Abstract: The present study utilised the neutron activation method of nuclear track detectors (CR-39) to ascertain the uranium level in human urine specimens. This research investigation had two cohorts of male and female participants. The first cohort consisted of individuals with kidney failure, while the second cohort consisted of individuals without any diseases. Samples of urine from individuals suffering from kidney failure and healthy individuals have been gathered from Al-Muthanna governorate, located in southern Iraq. In kidney failure patients, the highest level of uranium was 3.53
  Keywords: nuclear track detector; human urine; kidney failure; uranium; Southern Iraq,.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074317
   
  
• Mapping sensitivity of a single crystal CVD diamond detector using a focused X-ray beam  
  by Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, Wedad R. Alharbi, Atef Eltaher, Annika Lohstroh 
  Abstract: This study investigates the mapping sensitivity of a low-purity single crystal diamond detector (VS-Ti/Au) using a focused X-ray beam from an X-ray tube. It examines how beam size, scanning step, bias polarity, annealing, and X-ray dose rate affect the photocurrent response and nitrogenrelated features within the crystal. Temporal photocurrent behaviour was analysed through pulse shapes recorded under varied conditions. The detector, fabricated by Chemical Vapour Deposition, was selected for its internal nitrogen lines and substrate interface visible in X-ray maps. Two independent methods fluorescent screen imaging and silicon diode edge scanning were used to determine the X-ray spot size, both showing consistent trends with dose rate, though the diode method gave slightly larger values. The results provide key insights into the spatial and temporal behaviour of diamond detectors, aiding optimization for high-resolution radiation detection.
  Keywords: sensitivity mapping; radiation dosimetry; focused X-ray; CVD diamond; silicon PIN diode.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074318
   
  
• Neutron activation analysis of spices using the TRIGA Mark II research reactor: accurate health assessment of black pepper, fenugreek, turmeric and ginger  
  by Abdessamad Didi, Abdelwahad Badague, Iliasse Aarab, Hamid Amsil, Hamid Bounouira, Zouhair Sadoune, Mustapha Krim, Reda Mohammed Mesradi, Abdellah Halimi, Veerpratap Meena 
  Abstract: This study focuses on the elemental analysis of four commonly used spices: Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Turmeric, and Ginger. We employed Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) to quantify the presence of elements at various concentrations in these samples. The Neutron Activation was performed using the TRIGA Mark II research reactor, with measurements conducted using HPGe detectors at the Neutron Activation Laboratory of the National Center for Energy, Nuclear Sciences, and Techniques (CNESTEN). The results reveal high concentrations of essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and chlorine, as well as trace elements like iron, zinc, and copper. These data provide a detailed profile of the mineral composition of these spices, highlighting their nutritional potential and implications for human health.
  Keywords: neutron activation analysis; spices; black pepper; fenugreek; turmeric; ginger; trace elements.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074409
   
  
• Constructal theory of critical mass  
  by Mohammad Yaghoub Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Jamalabadi 
  Abstract: The constructal law is now applied in many fields of engineering. It is based on the principle that a finite-size system must evolve to allow greater and great-er access to each incoming current to persevere in time (to live). Here the con-structal law is applied to an eigenvalue problem of critical mass. It can have applications in nuclear engineering, natural frequency design of multipart sol-ids, and structural dampers. Here first the problem of optimal shape for critical mass in cylindrical is solved by Constructal theory and benchmarked with an analytical solution. Then the problem of insertion of an absorber in a fissiona-ble material is optimized and for any mass ratio, the optimal shape is obtained. The results of one group obtained here could be used as an example of more complex geometries, with neutronic groups, and reactivity feedback which causes the morphing design throughout the time.
  Keywords: constructal theory; eigenvalue problem; one group neutronic; risk assessment; critical mass; optimal design.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074469
   
  
• Evaluation of safety for VVER-1200-based nuclear power plants during main steam-line break accidents  
  by Md Shamim Hassan, Iffat Sharif, Abid Hossain Khan, Dipayan Sikder 
  Abstract: In this work, Main Steam-Line Break accidents (MSLBs) in a VVER-1200 nuclear power plant were investigated. Three different break sizes, 100, 200 and 400 cm2, were considered for two separate cases, one where SCRAM was initiated and another for anticipated transient without SCRAM (ATWS). Simulations were performed for 12 hours to observe the performance of the plant safety systems. Results revealed that Fuel Temperature Coefficient (FTC) and negative moderator temperature coefficient played a crucial role in keeping reactor thermal power under control in the absence of SCRAM. Sharp spikes in reactor power were observed for ATWS cases between 400 seconds and 600 seconds. For both cases, fuel and cladding temperatures were below 1875oC and 625oC, respectively, making failure highly unlikely. The containment pressure was significantly below 5 bar for all the scenarios. DNBR was greater than unity for MSLBs with SCRAM but went below for 400 cm2 MSLB with ATWS, indicating possible boiling crisis.
  Keywords: anticipated transient without SCRAM; beyond design basis accident; nuclear power plant; safety.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074661
   
  
• Study of grain size effect on radon exhalation rate using different detection methods and associated health risk assessment  
  by Dalil Boumala, Belafrites Abdelfettah 
  Abstract: The effects of radon released from phosphate ore sample of different grain sizes on radon emanation and exhalation rates, annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk and the associated health risk assessment were investigated. The activity concentrations of 226Ra and 222Rn were evaluated using a high purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometer, an AlphaGUARD ionisation chamber and nuclear track detector (NTD). Specific activities for different phosphate grain sizes ranging from 100 m to 500 m were performed using the NTD. The 226Ra activity concentrations were found to be 500
  Keywords: phosphate ore; radon; radiation risk; gamma-ray spectrometry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2025.10074802