International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology (7 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Drive in implementation of comprehensive safeguards agreement and additional protocol: Bangladeshs accomplishments and future challenges  
  by Kibria A.K.M Fazle, H. M. Borhanul Alam, Ronia Sultana, A. R. M. Tareq 
  Abstract: Bangladesh is committed to nuclear non-proliferation in all its aspect. It adopted the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1979. Bangladesh signed Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement in 1982 and arranged implementation at its TRIGA Research Reactor in 1986. In 2001, the country signed Additional Protocol. The country has Regulatory Act. and Regulatory Authority for the proper nuclear safety, security and safeguards (SSS) implementations. From its first nuclear power plant (NPP), 2400 MWe will be added to the grid by 2024 and 2025, respectively. The construction of NPP is progressing swiftly by obeying the IAEA SSS milestones. In 2022, IAEA conducted IAEA Safeguards and SSAC Advisory Service (ISSAS). Bangladesh is driving in ensuring its safeguards infrastructure in place by following the recommendations and suggestions of ISSAS. NPP already receipts the initial fuel and the country is driving in managing its RNPP and nuclear fuel by fulfilling IAEA safeguards obligations properly.
  Keywords: non-proliferation; nuclear safeguards; additional protocol; ISSAS; RNPP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2024.10072355