Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

November 16, 2020April 14, 2022

Complex Oxides in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle – New Activities at UC Irvine

Complex Oxides in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle – New Activities at UC Irvine, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering at UCI

SPEAKER:

Sarah Finkeldei

Assistant Professor

Department of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering at UCI

DATE/TIME:

MON, 11/16/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

Complex oxides with fluorite derived structures play a key role in the nuclear fuel cycle context. We enhance wet-chemical synthesis routes, e.g. co-precipitation or internal gelation, to fabricate tailor-made precursors for advanced nuclear fuel forms as well as potential nuclear waste forms with the defect fluorite or pyrochlore crystal structure. Utilizing state-of-the-art-characterization techniques such as neutron diffraction with pair distribution function analysis and laser fluorescence spectroscopy enables an in-depth understanding of materials properties and provides structural information such as where and how actinides, e.g. Pu are immobilized in a pyrochlore waste form. An overview of recent activities about developing suitable fabrication routes of fluorite-structure derived ceramics in the nuclear context, the impact of the fabrication avenue towards their properties as well as the effect of radiation-induced structural order/disorder transitions towards the properties of the materials will be presented.

About the Speaker:

Sarah Finkeldei studied Chemistry at the RWTH Aachen and studied pyrochlore oxides as potential nuclear waste form during her PhD in the Institute of Nuclear Waste Management at the Helmholtz Research Center Juelich, Germany. She received her PhD with honors from the RWTH Aachen University in 2014. During her time as a postdoctoral researcher in the Helmholtz Center in Juelich, she led a collaborative project with Prof. Rodney Ewing (Stanford University) and Prof. Maik Lang (UT Knoxville) on long-term matrix corrosion of spent nuclear fuel. In August 2017 Sarah joined the Nuclear Fuel Materials Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher and worked under the supervision of Dr. Kurt Terrani and Dr. Andrew Nelson for the Advanced Fuels Campaign of DOE. In July 2019 Sarah joined the Department of Chemistry at UCI as Assistant Professor where her research interests span from advance nuclear fuel forms to nuclear waste forms.

November 10, 2020April 7, 2022

Isotope Production: Occupation and/or Adventure

Isotope Production: Occupation and/or Adventure, Dr. Etienne Vermeulen, Senior Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory

SPEAKER:

Dr. Etienne Vermeulen

Senior Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory

DATE/TIME:

MON, 11/09/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

Radioisotope production is a fascinating field of study that encompasses multiple disciplines, ranging from nuclear physics and chemistry to nuclear engineering and medical science. Users of isotope include fields as diverse diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, nuclear forensics, geochronology, antimatter research, cosmology and high energy physics. This lecture follows a semi-autobiographical path of the speaker around the world, producing isotopes for all the disciplines mentioned above and more, hopefully illustrating the incredibly diverse and interesting (and frustrating) challenges provided to the avid researcher.

About the Speaker:

Dr Etienne Vermeulen started his career in 1998 at what was then known as the National Accelerator Centre in South Africa. He received the Degree B.Tech in Chemistry during this time and was then employed as Chemist from 2001 to 2003. In 2007 he received an M.Sc. (cum laude) in radiochemistry from Stellenbosch University. He played a large role in the establishment of Positron Particle Emission Tracking (PEPT) at iThemba LABS in conjunction with the University of Cape Town. From 2009 to early 2014 he was the Targetry and Bombardments coordinator responsible for all aspects of isotope production targetry at iThemba LABS. In March 2014 he received a PhD in Physics from Stellenbosch University with the topic “Production of radionuclides with medium energy protons with the emphasis on targetry” and then joined the Paul Scherrer Institute as Staff Scientist from 2 June 2014 to June 2017. At PSI he was involved in the production and separation of radiolanthanides as well as the design of targets and production control systems for routine isotope production. He played a major role in establishing the Tb-161 production. During this time he also played a pivotal role in the production of the novel therapy/diagnosis isotope Tb-149 at the ISOLDE facility at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. He joined Los Alamos National Laboratory in July of 2018 as senior scientist and is currently lead physicist for the Isotope Production Facility at the LANSCE accelerator at LANL.

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November 2, 2020April 7, 2022

Nuclear Energy: Essential to the Energy Transition

Nuclear Energy: Essential to the Energy Transition, William D. Magwood, Director-General, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

SPEAKER:

William D. Magwood

Director-General, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

DATE/TIME:

MON, 11/02/2020 - 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

Around the world, governments are taking actions intended to lead to a new, environmentally sustainable energy framework. Whether or not all these efforts will be successful, they are already disruptive and present challenges for the nuclear sector today and into the future. NEA Director-General Magwood will discuss current challenges to the nuclear industry and present recent analysis by the Nuclear Energy Agency regarding the anticipated Energy Transition and why nuclear energy must play a vital role. He will review the emergence and importance of new technologies and the challenges that lay ahead as well as the vital importance of broadening and deepening the world’s nuclear science and technology human resource base. He will highlight recent international activities led by the NEA to prepare for the future.

About the Speaker:

Mr. Magwood took up his duties as Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) on 1 September 2014. He has extensive experience in both the regulatory and developmental aspects of nuclear energy, including at the international level.

From 2010 to 2014, he served as one of the five Commissioners appointed by the US President and confirmed by the US Senate to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). While a commissioner, he advocated the importance of nuclear regulatory independence and the necessity of maintaining strong, credible, and technically sound nuclear regulation in the United States and all countries that use nuclear power.

Prior to his appointment at the NRC, from 2005 to 2010 he provided independent strategic and policy advice to the US and international clients on energy, environment, education, and technology policy issues. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Magwood was Director of the US Government’s civilian nuclear energy program at the US Department of Energy (DOE). During his tenure, he established the Idaho National Laboratory; created activities that reversed the decline of US nuclear technology education; and launched important initiatives such as the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) and the US “Nuclear Power 2010,” which helped restart nuclear plant construction in the United States. He was also actively involved in the work of the NEA, serving as a Steering Committee Bureau member from 1999 to 2005, including a term as Chair of the Steering Committee from 2004 to 2005.

Prior to his experience at the DOE, Mr. Magwood managed electric utility research and nuclear policy programs at the Edison Electric Institute in Washington, DC, and was a scientist at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Magwood, a US national, holds Bachelor's degrees in Physics and English from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Pittsburgh.

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October 26, 2020April 7, 2022

Impact of radiation-induced changes in dimension, mechanical properties and composition of reactor structural components

Impact of radiation-induced changes in dimension, mechanical properties and composition of reactor structural components, Francis "Frank" A. Garner, Research Scientist, Nuclear Engineering Department of Texas A&M University

SPEAKER:

Francis "Frank" A. Garner

Research Scientist, Nuclear Engineering Department of Texas A&M University

Professor, Department of Materials Science of Moscow Engineering Physics Institute

President, Radiation Effects Consulting LLC

DATE/TIME:

MON, 10/26/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

The economics and safety of nuclear reactors often is limited more by issues concerning structural materials than by fuel or nuclear issues. When subjected to neutron irradiation at elevated temperatures alloys used to construct the structural components of nuclear reactors undergo extensive changes in microstructure, microchemistry and often phase stability.

These microstructural and microchemical changes can lead to significant dimensional distortion and changes in volume of reactor components via the interactive processes of transmutation, radiation-induced precipitation, void swelling and irradiation creep. Additionally, there are often strong changes induced in the mechanical properties of structural steels.

A review of these phenomena and their impact on the continued functionality and lifetime of reactor structural components will be presented.

About the Speaker:

Frank Garner has five decades of experience in studying radiation damage phenomena in structural materials for all types of nuclear reactors and charged particle irradiation devices. Retired from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory since 2009, he currently holds three positions. He serves as a half-time Research Scientist in the Nuclear Engineering Department of Texas A&M University and a half-time Professor in the Department of Materials Science of Moscow Engineering Physics Institute in Russia. He is also President of Radiation Effects Consulting LLC, serving foreign and domestic nuclear entities.

October 19, 2020April 7, 2022

ARG-US Remote Monitoring Systems for Packagings of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials

SPEAKER:

Yung Liu

Senior Nuclear Engineer and Manager Packaging Certification & Life Cycle Management Program

Decision and Infrastructure Sciences Division

Argonne National Laboratory

DATE/TIME:

MON, 10/19/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

In this talk, I will describe the ARG-US (meaning watchful guardian) remote monitoring systems technology developed by Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy Packaging Certification Program, Office of Packaging and Transportation, Office of Environmental Management. Over the past 12 years, Argonne has developed, demonstrated, and deployed two patented technology systems: the smart drum technology and the remote area modular monitoring (RAMM)/TRAVELER, with the goal of enhancing the safety, security, and safeguards (3S) of packaging containing nuclear and other radioactive materials, including spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste during storage, transportation and disposal. Highlights are provided for selected use cases of ARG-US remote monitoring systems in critical facilities, tracking and monitoring nuclear cargos during vehicle and rail shipments, geo-fencing and transport security plan, and a brief discussion of future directions.

About the Speaker:

Yung Y. Liu, ScD, Nuclear Engineering, MIT, is Senior Nuclear Engineer and Manager of the Packaging Certification and Life Cycle Management Group, Decision & Infrastructure Sciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory. He is responsible for managing a portfolio of research and development programs supported by the US Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) programs with industry, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan. He interacts frequently with staff at government agencies, industries, other national laboratories, and the IAEA on technical and regulatory issues related to the safety, security, and safeguards of nuclear and other radioactive hazardous materials, including spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste. Dr. Liu has over 35 years of experience as principal investigator, theorist, experimenter, innovator, educator, and manager of various materials and engineering programs related to nuclear fission, fusion, and advanced fossil energy systems. More recently in the last decade, he has been leading the development and applications of the patented ARG-US (“The Watchful Guardian”) radiofrequency identification (RFID)/CommBox, Remote Area Modular Monitoring (RAMM)/TRAVELER systems technology for tracking and monitoring high-risk and high-value materials during storage and transportation, as well as in aging management and application of advanced surveillance technology for extended storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel.

October 12, 2020April 7, 2022

Restoring connection: evolution of engineered cover designs for abandoned legacy waste with respect to Indigenous People

SPEAKER:

Dr. Carrie Nuva Joseph (Hopi)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Center for Indigenous Environmental Health Research

University of Arizona (UA)

DATE/TIME:

MON, 10/12/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

The US EPA estimates there are approximately 15,000 defense-related abandoned uranium mines located in 14 states with an estimated 75% on federal and tribal land. Of those locations, over 500 abandoned mines and 1100 features are in the Four-Corners region. Uranium mill tailings, often referred to as legacy waste, comprise the largest volume of any category of radioactive waste in the Nation. Within the Department of Energy- Legacy Management significant investment is being made to understand the latest science and technology to improve the long-term management strategies for uranium mill tailings sites; however, what often gets left at the hindsight is how land disturbance as a result of extraction has unjustly positioned Indigenous People to respond to the unique challenges this presents in their communities. The research presented in this talk will 1) briefly discuss the historical implications of nuclear defense industries on Indigenous People, 2) the science and engineering behind the evolution of disposal cover designs for sites managed by the Department of Energy, and 3) how community-driven research is being used to address environmental and human exposure concerns in a community located within a region of where extensive uranium mining and milling took place.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Carrie Nuva Joseph (Hopi) is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Center for Indigenous Environmental Health Research at the University of Arizona (UA). She received her Ph.D. from UA’s Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science. She specializes in the chemical and biogeophysical relationships between natural and engineered landscapes impacted by hazardous waste and human disturbance. Her interdisciplinary efforts also include research on climate change impacts, human exposures to anthropogenic contaminants, hydrology, and water resource management in Indigenous communities. Using a holistic lens, Dr. Joseph’s work informs decision-making in science and policy, to advance social equity and data sovereignty efforts in marginalized populations. Dr. Joseph is a recipient of numerous honors and award including her previous department’s 2019 Outstanding Dissertation Award and the National Congress of American Indian’s 40 under 40 in Indian Country. Carrie is a citizen of the Hopi Nation, where she was born and raised. She is of the Coyote clan and child of the Snow clan from the Village of Moencopi.

October 5, 2020October 21, 2020

Rapid Nuclear Materials Discovery Through Innovative Approaches to Characterization

SPEAKER:

Kevin Field

Associate Professor

Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences

University of Michigan

DATE/TIME:

MON, 10/02/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

Materials can play a pivotal role in advancing the state of nuclear energy both domestically and abroad by increasing safety, efficiency, and operational lifetime. Until recently, most advances in materials design for nuclear energy have been incremental – slight changes of composition here or tweaks in microstructure there. This talk will focus on research directions to enable rapid breakthroughs in the development of advanced steels by exploiting innovative approaches to shorten the time associated with characterization and analysis in post irradiation examination efforts. Specifically, recent results on the use of shielded magnetic small angle neutron scattering (SM-SANS) for replacing (or supplementing) APT characterization efforts of nanoscale precipitates in irradiated cladding will be discussed. The presentation will progress towards a discussion regarding a coupled framework for automated dislocation loop detection and analysis based upon on-zone Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) dislocation imaging with deep learning-based feature detection and tracking algorithms. Both efforts will be cast towards how the techniques enabled accelerated decision making on alloy concentration selections for FeCrAl alloys in Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) nuclear fuel cladding. The presentation will conclude on how these high throughput characterization strategies are being applied for new alloy classes and designs including novel alloy microstructures enabled through additive manufacturing techniques.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Kevin Field is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan where his research specializes in alloy development and radiation effects in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. His active research interests include advanced electron microscopy and scattering-based characterization techniques, additive/advanced manufacturing for nuclear materials, and the application of machine/deep learning techniques for advanced innovation in characterization and development of material systems. Prof. Field moved to the University of Michigan in the Fall of 2019 after six years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory t. Prof. Field has presented and published numerous manuscripts on radiation effects in various material systems relevant for nuclear power generation including irradiated concrete performance, deformation mechanisms in irradiated steels, and radiation tolerance of enhanced accident tolerant fuel forms. Dr. Field received his B.S. (2007) from Michigan Technological University in Materials Science & Engineering and his M.S. (2009) and Ph.D. (2012) from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in Materials Science with a focus on segregation phenomena in ion and neutron irradiated ferrous-based alloys. Dr. Field’s work has been recognized through several avenues including receiving the prestigious Alvin M. Weinberg Fellowship from ORNL in 2013 and being awarded the UT-Battelle Award for Early Career Researcher in Science and Technology in 2018 and Department of Energy Early Career Award in 2020.

September 28, 2020March 17, 2022

Machine Learning approach to Nuclear Threat Detection

SPEAKER:

SIMON LABOV

DATE/TIME:

MON, 09/28/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

Via Zoom

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Co-hosted with NSSC

Abstract:

Conventional approaches to radiation measurements are sometimes insufficient to address the challenges of nuclear threat detection in real-world conditions. Threat-aware signal processing, statistical methods, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are fast becoming an important part of the analysis of large data sets acquired by radiation detectors and supporting contextual sensors. These computational methods enable us to unmask data correlations, trends, and patterns that provide valuable insights of the physics phenomena under study. The methods and insights can then be used to fuse data from different measurement modalities and analyze measurements with greatly enhanced performance. This talk will describe some of the difficulties in nuclear threat detection and how machine learning can be applied to address these challenges. Problems specific to applying machine learning to nuclear threat detection, some of which can be catastrophic, will be discussed, and solutions will be presented that can avoid these issues.

About the Speaker:

Simon Labov is an expert in nuclear detection systems, advanced spectral and multisource analysis algorithms, and distributed detector systems. He currently leads the development of the machine learning-enabled Enhanced Radiological Nuclear Inspection and Evaluation (ERNIE) System. ERNIE is now operating at some of the busiest U.S. seaports to increase sensitivity and reduce false alarms for radiation portal monitors. He also leads an algorithm development team for the ubiquitous detection SIGMA program and other mobile detection systems. In 2001, he initiated the Cellular-Telephone-Based Radiation Sensor and Wide-Area Detection Network Project, which was awarded three patents and has been aggressively supported by multiple funding agencies. Simon Labov joined LLNL in 1987 and helped initiate a program to develop high-resolution, energy-dispersive x-ray detectors that operate at very low temperatures, and then founded and directed the LLNL Radiation Detection Center. Prior to joining LLNL, Labov developed instrumentation for soft-x-ray astrophysics and received a B.S. at Stanford University and a Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley.

September 21, 2020August 24, 2020

Going From Zero to A Billion: How to Build an Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Indy Style

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SPEAKER:

CANON BRYAN

DATE/TIME:

MON, 08/31/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

LOCATION:

Zoom

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

The nuclear energy industry is transforming from being highly concentrated and government- or multinational- funded to nimble, innovative start-ups funded by the cleantech community. This lecture discusses how it is possible to take an advanced reactor design from the idea stage to a multi-billion-dollar concern and still maintain control over your vision for the project.

About the Speaker:

Canon Bryan is a financial professional with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the finance industry. Mr. Bryan has experience as a buy-side analyst, entrepreneur and financial executive. He co-founded and has been involved with the listing of two successful companies onto public stock exchanges in North America since 2004. He has contracted with many public and private companies, performing a wide variety of finance-related operations, including public company financial reporting, management reporting, full-cycle accounting, budget development and analysis, economic modeling, corporate development strategies, technical writing, project management, and others. He has had exposure to the following industries: nuclear power, natural resources, biotechnology, real estate development, food service and others. Mr. Bryan was a founding shareholder in the following companies: Terrestrial Energy Inc, since 2012, where he serves as chief financial officer, is developing a commercial molten salt reactor in Canada. NioCorp Developments Ltd (NB: TSXV) in October 2009. NioCorp is developing the largest niobium deposit in North America. Uranium Energy Corp (UEC: AMEX) in August 2004, where he served as VP Corporate Development until October 2007. UEC is a producer of ISR uranium in the USA. Mr. Bryan was a senior financial analyst for Lasik Vision Corporation (LSK: CDNX), which was the world’s largest provider of laser refractive surgical services. He has also served as chief financial officer, and on boards of directors, for private and public companies in Canada and the USA. Mr. Bryan completed his professional studies in accounting with the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada; he is not designated.

Zoom: https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/91568655249

September 14, 2020September 2, 2020

Next-Generation Laser Plasma Spectroscopy Technologies for Nuclear Security

SPEAKER:

VASSILIA ZORBA

DATE/TIME:

MON, 09/14/2020 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM

LOCATION:

Zoom

Fall 2020 Colloquium Series

Abstract:

Pulsed laser technologies play a critical role in nuclear security, including remote sensing, safeguards and emergency response. My group’s research focuses on the development of next-generation laser technologies with improved sensitivity, precision, and detection range for nuclear non-proliferation applications. This talk will cover recent work on emerging ultrafast technologies based on optical emission. Specifically, I will discuss new femtosecond laser ablation sampling approaches that enable remote isotopic and elemental sensing, improve laser beam propagation at extended distances, and preferentially enhance or impede chemical reactions for the detection of isotopes. Enabling laser technologies include femtosecond filamentation, ultrafast optical vortex beams, and femtosecond-induced weakly ionized air plasma channels to optimize detection distance and sensitivity.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Vassilia Zorba is a Physicist Staff Scientist and Group Leader for the Laser Technologies Group at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She is also an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of California, Berkeley. Her research interests include ultrafast laser-material interactions, non-linear optics, remote sensing, laser-induced plasma chemistry, and laser ablation-based chemical analysis for nuclear security and energy applications. Her previous work focused on femtosecond laser surface structuring technologies and biomimetic material functionalization. Dr. Zorba’s credits include more than 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals, numerous invited talks, and a 2011 R&D 100 Technology Award.

Zoom Link: https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/91568655249