Fall 2016 RDCH 702 Lecture 11: Application of Nuclear Material

The lecture provides examples of the use of radioactive isotopes. The methods used for isotope production are discussed. The difference between isotope production by accelerators and reactors is highlighted. Reactor isotope products are primarily neutron rich; while accelerator produced isotopes tend to be neutron poor. Isotopes used in the generation of neutrons are provided. These neutron generating sources are small with a relatively low neutron generating rate. They are used in element and compound identification. Examples of isotopes used as ionization sources are provided. The discussion focuses on the use of ²⁴¹Am for smoke detection and ⁶³Ni for explosives detection. The importance of ²³⁸Pu as a heat source is provided, with examples given for space exploration. A number of isotopes used in radiopharmaceuticals are introduced. Comparisons are given for diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. 

Fall 2016: RDCH 702 Lecture 10 In reactor chemistry

This lecture describes the chemistry of actinides and fission products in reactors, primarily focusing on phases formed in nuclear fuel. The fission process is reviewed and fuel burnup discussed. Determining fission product and actinide concentration to assess burnup is introduced. The variation of fission product and actinide concentration with burnup and initial fuel composition is provided. Axial and radial distribution of activity, fission products, and actinides is discussed, highlighting the role of neutron flux and energies on the distribution. Conditions necessary for the formation of separate phases in UO₂ are shown for perovskite and metallic phases, emphasizing the role of oxygen in the process. The behavior of fission products can be grouped into 4 areas: volatile species, metallic precipitates, oxide precipitates, and solid solutions. 

Fall 2016: RDCH 702 Lecture 9 Separations

A number of different separation methods for radionuclides, with an emphasis on actinides, are presented. Solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrochemical, volatility and ionic liquid methods are discussed. The fundamental concepts are provided with specific examples on the nuclear fuel cycle. Ideas and concepts for advanced separations are given. Details are provided for the different separation routes discussed. The PUREX process is described. Examples are given for TRUEX and TALSPEAK separations. Specific examples for actinide separation are provided.

Fall 2016: Quiz 4 Radiation Interaction and Isotope Production

Quiz 4

Assigned: 8 November 16

Due: 14 November 162nd Due date: 19 November 16Lecture 7 Radiation InteractionsLecture 8 Accelerators and Isotope Product

Use the lecture notes, chart of the nuclides, table of the isotopes, and web links to answer the following questions. Questions on the quiz can be posted to the blog.

Fall 2016: Lecture 8 Isotope Production

This lecture introduces the methods and means for isotope production. Accelerators are described and compared. Attention is given to the development of accelerators over time. The use of electron accelerators for synchrotrons is covered. Spectroscopic methods useful for speciation and coordination chemistry are provided, with an example for uranium. Neutron generation is discussed. Details on fission are given, including symmetric, asymmetric, and spallation sources. The lecture is 30 minutes in length.  The lecture 8 PDF quiz is due 9 November.