Nov, 2026
Journal
Analysis of fission gas bubbles (FGBs) in light-water reactor (LWR) fuel is needed to improve the understanding and predictive capability of fuel evolution under normal- and transient conditions. One of the most important parameters of a FGB is the pressure of the gas, primarily Xe, inside it. Bubble volume and location (inter- vs. intragranular) are important consideratio…
Nov, 2026
Journal
Thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) is a promising approach for capturing and reusing excess thermal energy, yet widespread adoption is limited by low thermal conductivity, bulky configurations, and inadequate scalability. This study presents a modular, blade-shaped TES prototype designed to address these challenges. The device integrates a lig…
Nov, 2026
Journal
The goal of the ST40 programme is to explore the physics of high-field spherical tokamaks (STs), to validate empirical and theoretical models and, hence, to build confidence in predictions required to support the design of future generations of STs. ST40 is a compact high-field ST that has achieved the following parameters: R0 = 0.4–0.55 m, Ip = 0.20–0.85 MA, Bt(R= 0.4 m)…
Nov, 2026
Journal
This work describes a pilot-scale, thermally controlled gas–liquid absorption column designed for point-source carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) capture, featuring a 4-m tall, 0.3-m diameter absorber with a capacity of up to 1 t of COâ‚‚ per day. Flue-gas conditions are simulated using a natural gas-fired power generation engine. A key advancement is the integration of a 3D-printed proce…
Nov, 2026
Journal
Although advanced austenitic alloys are advantageous in non-nuclear applications due to their high creep strength, designing irradiation-resistant austenitic alloys is challenging due to the difficulty of dispersing irradiation defect-capturing sinks uniformly throughout the material. In this work, nanostructured alumina-forming austenitic (NAFA) alloys were successfully p…
Nov, 2026
Journal
The novel graded composite transition joint (GCTJ) between AISI 304 stainless steel and ASTM A335 P91 steel offers a promising strategy for dissimilar metal integration in high-temperature applications. However, the long-term thermal stability and corrosion resistance of its interfacial zone remain poorly understood. This study investigates the microstructural evolution of…
Nov, 2026
Journal
The mitigation of silica, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate scaling remains a major challenge for developing brackish water desalination. This study investigated the impact of electromagnetic field (EMF) and permanent magnetic field (PMF) in combination with antiscalant on membrane scaling control in brackish groundwater reverse osmosis (RO). The mechanisms of the (el…
Nov, 2026
Journal
Operational faults can significantly degrade the performance of residential air-source heat pumps, yet the combined effects of simultaneous faults remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates the impacts of refrigerant charge, indoor airflow, and outdoor airflow faults, applied individually and in combination, on a residential split heat pump operating in cool…
Oct, 2026
Journal
Uranium carbide is a candidate fuel form for a wide range of advanced reactors, including larger Generation IV reactors as well as small modular reactors and microreactors. However, its commercial deployment timeline faces challenges via traditional qualification approaches. To address this issue, an accelerated fission rate irradiation test was performed to collect basic…
Oct, 2026
Journal
The neutron dose-dependent evolutions and the underlying mechanisms of properties of SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites at a temperature relevant to light-water reactors (∼600 K) were investigated and analyzed. Chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composites reinforced with Hi-Nicalon Type S or Tyranno SA3 fiber were neutron-irradiated to doses up to…
Oct, 2026
Journal
There is current interest in a 2LiF-BeF2 (FLiBe) molten salt blanket for fusion applications, however, very little compatibility data are available for fusion relevant materials. Initial static capsule testing results for 500 h at 550°-750 °C are presented for V-4Cr-4Ti, Fe-8Cr-2W (alloy F82H) compared to type 316H stainless steel and monolithic SiC as a surrogate for SiC/…