Structural and compositional characteristics of Fukushima release particulate material from Units 1 and 3 elucidates release mechanisms, accident chronology and future decommissioning strategy

Martin, P. G.*; Jones, C. P.*; Bartlett, S.*; Ignatyev, K.*; Megson-Smith, D.*; Satou, Yukihiko; Cipiccia, S.*; Batey, D. J.*; Rau, C.*; Sueki, Keisuke*; et al.

Scientific Reports (Internet), 10, p.22056_1 - 22056_17, 2020/12

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79169-2

Provenance of uranium particulate contained within Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 ejecta material

Martin, P. G.*; Louvel, M.*; Cipiccia, S.*; Jones, C. P.*; Batey, D. J.*; Hallam, K. R.*; Yang, I. A. X.*; Satou, Yukihiko; Rau, C.*; Mosselmans, J. F. W.*; et al.

Nature Communications (Internet), 10, p.2801_1 - 2801_7, 2019/06

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-10937-z

Synchrotron radiation (SR) analysis techniques alongside secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) measurements have been made on sub-mm particulate material derived from reactor Unit 1 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP). Using these methods, it has been possible to investigate the distribution, state and isotopic composition of micron-scale U particulate contained within the larger Si-based ejecta material. Through combined SR micro-focused X-ray fluorescence (SR-micro-XRF) and absorption contrast SR micro-focused X-ray tomography (SR-micro-XRT), the U particulate was found to be located around the exterior circumference of the highly-porous particle. Synchrotron radiation micro-focused X-ray absorption near edge structure (SR-micro-XANES) analysis of a number of these entrapped particles revealed them to exist within the U(IV) oxidation state, as UO, and identical in structure to reactor fuel. Confirmation that this U was of nuclear origin (U-enriched) was provided through secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis with an isotopic enrichment ratio characteristic of a provenance from reactor Unit 1 at the FDNPP. These results provide clear evidence of the event scenario (that a degree of core fragmentation and release occurred from reactor Unit 1), with such spent fuel ejecta existing; (i) within the stable U(IV) oxidation state; and (ii) contained within a bulk Si-based particle. While this U is unlikely to represent an environmental or health hazard, such assertions would likely change, however, should break-up of the Si-containing bulk particle occur. However, more important to the long-term decommissioning of the reactors (and clean-up) on the FDNPP, is the knowledge that core integrity of reactor Unit 1 was compromised with nuclear material existing outside of the reactors primary containment.

Instrumentation for diagnostics and control of laser-accelerated proton (ion) beams

Bolton, P.; Borghesi, M.*; Brenner, C.*; Carroll, D. C.*; De Martinis, C.*; Fiorini, F.*; Flacco, A.*; Floquet, V.*; Fuchs, J.*; Gallegos, P.*; et al.

Physica Medica; European Journal of Medical Physics, 30(3), p.255 - 270, 2014/05

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmp.2013.09.002

First prompt in-beam -ray spectroscopy of a superheavy element; The Rf

Rubert, J.*; Dorvaux, O.*; Gall, B. J. P.*; Greenlees, P. T.*; Asfari, Z.*; Piot, J.*; Andersson, L. L.*; Asai, Masato; Cox, D. M.*; Dechery, F.*; et al.

Journal of Physics; Conference Series, 420, p.012010_1 - 012010_10, 2013/03

https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/420/1/012010

The first prompt in-beam -ray spectroscopy of a superheavy element, Rf, has been performed successfully. A development of an intense isotopically enriched Ti beam using the MIVOC method enabled us to perform this experiment. A rotational band up to a spin of 20 has been discovered in Rf, and its moment of inertia has been extracted. These data suggest that there is no evidence of a significant deformed shell gap at = 104.

Isomeric states observed in heavy neutron-rich nuclei populated in the fragmentation of a Pb beam

Steer, S. J.*; Podolyk, Z.*; Pietri, S.*; Grska, M.*; Grawe, H.*; Maier, K.*; Regan, P. H.*; Rudolph, D.*; Garnsworthy, A. B.*; Hoischen, R.*; et al.

Physical Review C, 84(4), p.044313_1 - 044313_22, 2011/10

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.84.044313

Heavy neutron-rich nuclei were populated via the fragmentation of a E/A=1 GeV Pb beam. Secondary fragments were separated and identified and subsequently implanted in a passive stopper. By the detection of delayed rays, isomeric decays associated with these nuclei have been identified. A total of 49 isomers were detected, with the majority of them observed for the first time. Possible level schemes are constructed and the structure of the nuclei discussed. To aid the interpretation, shell-model as well as BCS calculations were performed.

Bridging the nuclear structure gap between stable and super heavy nuclei

Seweryniak, D.*; Khoo, T. L.*; Ahmad, I.*; Kondev, F. G.*; Robinson, A.*; Tandel, S. K.*; Asai, Masato; Back, B. B.*; Carpenter, M. P.*; Chowdhury, P.*; et al.

Nuclear Physics A, 834(1-4), p.357c - 361c, 2010/03

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nuclphysa.2010.01.039

Experimental data on single-particle energies in nuclei around Z=100 and N=152 play an important role to test validity of theoretical predictions for shell structure of superheavy nuclei. We found high-K two-quasiparticle isomers in No and No, and evaluated energies of proton single-particle orbitals around Z=100. We also found a new high-K three quasiparticle isomer in Rf. Energies of neutron single-particle orbitals were also evaluated from experimental data of the decay of Rf. Comparisons between the present experimental data and various theoretical calculations for the proton single-particle orbitals indicate that the calculation by using the Woods-Saxon potential gives the best agreement with the data.

Weakly deformed oblate structures in Os

Podolyk, Zs.*; Steer, S. J.*; Pietri, S.*; Xu, F. R.*; Liu, H. J.*; Regan, P. H.*; Rudolph, D.*; Garnsworthy, A. B.*; Hoischen, R.*; Grska, M.*; et al.

Physical Review C, 79(3), p.031305_1 - 031305_4, 2009/03

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.79.031305

rays de-exciting isomeric states in the neutron-rich nucleus Os have been observed following relativistic projectile fragmentation of a 1 GeV per nucleon Pb beam. The ground-state band has properties compatible with oblate deformation. The evolution of the structure of Os isotopes characterized by sudden prolate-oblate shape change is discussed and contrasted with the smooth change known in the Pt chain.

Neutron-proton pairing competition in nuclei; Metastable state decays in the proton dripline nuclei Nb and Tc

Garnsworthy, A. B.*; Regan, P. H.*; Cceres, L.*; Pietri, S.*; Sun, Y.*; Rudolph, D.*; Grska, M.*; Podolyk, Z.*; Steer, S. J.*; Hoischen, R.*; et al.

Physics Letters B, 660(4), p.326 - 330, 2008/02

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2008.01.017

The low-lying structures of the self-conjugate () nuclei Nb and Tc have been investigated using isomeric-decay spectroscopy following the projectile fragmentation of a Ag beam. These represent the heaviest odd-odd nuclei in which internal decays have been identified to date. The resulting level schemes shed light on the shape evolution along the line between the doubly-magic systems Ni and Sn and support a preference for states in odd-odd nuclei at low excitation energies associated with a neutron-proton pairing gap. Comparison with Projected Shell Model calculations suggests that the decay in Nb may be interpreted as an isospin-changing isomer.

Design progress of the ITER vacuum vessel sectors and port structures

Utin, Y.*; Ioki, Kimihiro; Alekseev, A.*; Bachmann, C.*; Cho, S. Y.*; Chuyanov, V.*; Jones, L.*; Kuzmin, E.*; Morimoto, Masaaki; Nakahira, Masataka; et al.

Fusion Engineering and Design, 82(15-24), p.2040 - 2046, 2007/10

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2007.07.009

Recent progress of the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) design is presented. As the ITER construction phase approaches, the VV design has been improved and developed in more detail with the focus on better performance, improved manufacture and reduced cost. Based on achievements of manufacturing studies, design improvement of the typical VV sector (#1) has been nearly finalized. Design improvement of other sectors is in progress - in particular, of the VV sector #2 and #3 which interface with the ports for the neutral beam injection. For all sectors, the concept for the in-wall shielding has progressed and developed in more detail. The design progress of the VV sectors has been accompanied by the progress of the port structures. In particular, design of the NB Ports was advanced with the focus on the heat-flux components to handle the heat input of the neutral beams. Structural analyses have been performed to validate all design improvements.

ITER nuclear components, preparing for the construction and R&D results

Ioki, Kimihiro*; Akiba, Masato; Barabaschi, P.*; Barabash, V.*; Chiocchio, S.*; Daenner, W.*; Elio, F.*; Enoeda, Mikio; Ezato, Koichiro; Federici, G.*; et al.

Journal of Nuclear Materials, 329-333(1), p.31 - 38, 2004/08

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2004.04.003

The preparation of the procurement specifications is being progressed for key components. Progress has been made in the preparation of the procurement specifications for key nuclear components of ITER. Detailed design of the vacuum vessel (VV) and in-vessel components is being performed to consider fabrication methods and non-destructive tests (NDT). R&D activities are being carried out on vacuum vessel UT inspection with waves launched at an angle of 20 or 30 degree, on flow distribution tests of a two-channel model, on fabrication and testing of FW mockups and panels, on the blanket flexible support as a complete system including the housing, on the blanket co-axial pipe connection with guard vacuum for leak detection, and on divertor vertical target prototypes. The results give confidence in the validity of the design and identify possibilities of attractive alternate fabrication methods.