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Skip Navigation LinksFY18 Infrastructure Awards

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FY 2018 Infrastructure Grants

The U.S. Department of Energy is awarding approximately $5 million to 18 colleges and universities to support research reactor infrastructure and general scientific infrastructure improvements. These awards strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear R&D and ensure that American universities have the best equipment and tools available to educate the next generation of industry leaders. The FY 2018 university infrastructure awards will upgrade the existing fleet of research reactors and support equipment and infrastructure improvements, making these reactors and capabilities more efficient and in line with industry advances.

A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below. Actual project funding will be established during contract negotiation phase.

FY 2018 Infrastructure Awards​
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Description
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1318_Abstract.pdf
18
Colorado School of MinesInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$172,752
This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Mines’ Nuclear Materials Laboratory managed by the Nuclear Science and Engineering Center (NuSEC), with a particular focus on establishing materials characterization capabilities for radioactive, low dose-rate, and additively manufactured specimens. The project will also purchase a sealed in-situ load cell for the Zeiss X-Radia Versa Computed Tomography System.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1320_Abstract.pdf
18
Excelsior CollegeInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$245,000
This project will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator to   incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accredited Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree program to enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1328_Abstract.pdf
18
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$243,816
Upgrade the diagnostics and post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities by establishing a new thermomechanical experimental capability to investigate irradiated fuel concepts, in order to inform and validate high fidelity fuel performance tools (e.g. MOOSE/BISON).
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1338_Abstract.pdf
18
Pennsylvania State UniversityInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$240,645
The objective of this project is to procure and install a quantity of 60Co, for the gamma irradiation facility, sufficient to allow irradiation dose rates up to 2 Mrads / hour (quantity of 60Co withheld for safeguards purposes), or >100 krad/ hour at the end of an additional twenty years of use .
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1344_Abstract.pdf
18
Texas A&M UniversityInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$184,505
Texas A&M University will purchase powder characterization equipment for the specific purpose of characterizing radioactive powders. The equipment will include an X-ray diffractometer and a particle size analyzer.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1345_Abstract.pdf
18
University of California - BerkeleyInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$248,296
This project targets the deployment of a novel micro and macro scale high precision machining capability for unirradiated and irradiated materials. Equipment includes a femto second laser with the related optics, sample stage, and the required software.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1321_Abstract.pdf
18
University of FloridaInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$249,473
The proposal aims to enhance the capabilities of the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials (INFSM) research center by adding a mechanical testing facility by upgrading the MTS 100 kN Landmark Test System for radiological work and expanding the existing microstructural characterization capabilities by installing an EDAX electron backscattering diffraction/energy dispersive spectroscopy (EBSD/EDS) unit on the focused ion beam (FIB) tool.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1333_Abstract.pdf
18
University of Nevada - RenoInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$223,397
Establish a new in-situ depth sensing nanomechanical testing infrastructure system using the Alemnis SEM Indenter, designed to work in conjunction with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Upgrades will include a High Load Cell up to 1.5N, High Temperature Module, High Dynamic Module, and additional indenter tips for both room and elevated temperatures.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1351_Abstract.pdf
18
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityInfrastructureGeneral Scientific Infrastructure$154,065
The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering (MNE) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) proposes to strengthen its academic and research capabilities in the core area of nuclear material characterization and detection technology. The main focus of this enhancement will be on obtaining the benchtop X-ray diffraction (XRD) system in a controlled environment operating in the range from room temperature up to 500 degrees Celsius.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1297_Abstract.pdf
18
Kansas State UniversityInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$167,493
The Kansas State University (KSU) TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility proposes to establish a dedicated Sample Handling Laboratory. Upgrades needed include an advanced counting system, pneumatic transfer system, glove box, high-precision balance, and a new fuel handling tool.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1299_Abstract.pdf
18
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$631,289
The goals of the project will be accomplished by installing a suite of two modular, turnkey hot cells, designed, manufactured and installed by an established hot cell supplier with the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1302_Abstract.pdf
18
Missouri Science and TechnologyInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$249,138
The project yields an enhancement for the distance learning capability at the Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor (MSTR). The safety improvement involves the installation of a 2-Ton capacity overhead crane, digital chart recorders, and a gamma monitoring portal.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1301_Abstract.pdf
18
North Carolina State UniversityInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$488,464
The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU).
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1295_Abstract.pdf
18
University of FloridaInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$281,321
Refurbish the existing reactor hot cell by replacing the existing manipulators with more capable modern units and reconnecting the reactor fast rabbit to the hot cell via a new trench connection.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1298_Abstract.pdf
18
University of MarylandInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$36,717
Project involves the acquisition of a chart recorder and a radiation hard, underwater camera that will allow the viewing of the reactor core for installing fuel elements.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1307_Abstract.pdf
18
University of Missouri - ColumbiaInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$109,782
This project will support two activities essential to MURR reactor operations: the fabrication of a new regulating blade drive mechanism and the acquisition of an in-pool camera system capable of withstanding high radiation environments next to the reactor fuel and other irradiated components.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1309_Abstract.pdf
18
University of UtahInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$995,600
University of Utah plans to replace the following for their TRIGA reactor: the old SCRAM relay logic and annunciators, the controller for control rods and magnet supply, chart recorders with digital recorders, failing thermocouples, float sensors, water flow sensors, pH sensor, conductivity sensors, new displays, data logging capability, and additional digital outputs.
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202018%20Abstracts/Infrastructure_1310_Abstract.pdf
18
University of Wisconsin - MadisonInfrastructureReactor Upgrades$36,300
Replace the electromechanical coolers attached to the high purity germanium (HPGe) radiation detectors to support the operation and research being conducted at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM).

 

*Actual project funding will be established during the award negotiation phase.​