The subject of fluid-structure interactions (FSI) are a matter concerning the design of any element immersed in a fluid. One of the most critical phenomena embedded within the scope of FSI is the creation of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV). These type of vibrations originate in a given body as a result...
Vibration of nuclear power plant components can cause fretting wear and fatigue that can eventually lead to component failure. Flexible, high-aspect ratio components under flow, such as the wire-wrapped cylindrical fuel elements in a liquid metal-cooled fast reactor (LMFR) core, are particularly susceptible to vibration due to their low natural...
Vibration of nuclear fuel rods is an area of significance for the long-term safe operation of any nuclear power plant. One mechanism of vibration, flow induced vibration (FIV), must be quantified when designing a new core, such as a sodium fast reactor which employs helically-wrapped wire spacers. Experimental work undertaken...
The United States currently has no infrastructure to provide a fast neutron flux for research purposes. With the increased interest in Sodium Fast Reactor (SFR) technology, this type of infrastructure is necessary for further development of key components such as Versatile Test Reactor. The purpose of this research is to...
Power transient boiling has been studied for decades, however, the mechanistic understanding of phenomena which occur during such an event remains incomplete. Due to a dearth of systematic researches, the information of studied phenomenon, detailed physics and applicable hypothesis are very limited. Transient critical heat flux (CHF) is paramount in...
Coastal hazards are the result of numerous physical processes cumulatively causing water levels to flood and erode the land. The waves, storm surges, tides, and run-off contributing to elevated water levels are each the product of chaotic and random weather patterns. These stochastic weather patterns dissipate energy in Earth's climate...
Unlike other industries, overall efficiency of construction projects has been growing minimally which directly causes cost overruns of projects. Though reducing idle time and increasing operational efficiency of construction equipment could result in significant cost saving, there is lack of practical knowledge of adjusting operational efficiency and integrating cost and...
In the event of a mid-flight flameout of a gas turbine engine, reignition is paramount to occupant safety. Ignition at high altitude can be challenging, due in part to the potentially lower ambient pressures. An understanding of the effects of sub-atmospheric pressures on the temperature evolution of spark kernels is...
There are efforts underway at Idaho National Laboratory to design, modify, and implement an array of techniques into a nuclear material ready Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to accelerate comprehensive characterization of the physical properties and microstructures of irradiated fuels and materials. The goals of adding a micro four-point probe (M4PP)...
In liquid sodium environments like those proposed for next-generation sodium fast reactors (SFRs), the presence of impurities in the sodium, particularly chemical species containing oxygen, can lead to increased corrosion on sodium-wetted components. It is important to monitor oxygen concentration in the sodium melt, but temperatures of 500 ℃ and...