International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology (4 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