Fast Neutron Reactors

Dr Mark Ho,
ANSTO.

1 pm Thursday 27 April 2017.

AINSE Theatre, Lucas Heights, NSW.

Meeting hosted by ANA.

For Slides for Mark’s talk click here

Abstract:
Many nations have invested heavily in fast neutron reactor research for their ability to breed fuel and incinerate radioactive waste. Of the 440 power reactors currently operating in the world, only two are fast reactors. However, by virtue of using fast neutrons, they have found diverse applications, from fuel breeding studies, to materials research, to marine and space propulsion. This talk will cover some basics of fast neutron reactors and survey the current research programs for power, research and propulsion fast neutron reactors.

About Mark Ho:
Mark is a reactor heat transfer specialist at ANSTO with a PhD in computational fluid dynamics. His interest lies in numerical and experimental fluid mechanics, multiphase flow and nuclear reactor design.

The Australian Nuclear Association Inc (ANA) is an independent incorporated scientific institution which promotes the education, knowledge and practice of the peaceful, safe and effective use of nuclear science and technology to benefit people, science and the environment.

ANA supports the use of nuclear science and technology in Australia, including nuclear techniques in research, industry and medicine; research reactors as a source of neutrons for research and production of radioisotopes; nuclear power plants to produce electricity and the use nuclear power for marine propulsion.

ANA strongly supports the use of nuclear power plants as reliable, affordable and low carbon generators of electricity and as a low carbon source of heat for industry. Adding nuclear energy to Australia’s energy future will help meet our international obligations on carbon emissions, improve energy security and contribute to our economic future. Australia can benefit from current and emerging advanced reactor designs as well as from the considerable international experience accumulated in regulating and operating nuclear power plants, taking into account safety, environmental, technical, economic and social factors. The ANA supports the removal of Federal and State legislative nuclear prohibitions so that nuclear energy can be considered on its merits.

ANA strongly supports establishment of a national radioactive waste management facility for the management of intermediate level radioactive waste and the disposal of low level radioactive waste from all Commonwealth agencies as well from the States and Territories.