Infrastructure Funded Projects
Projects by Year
FY 2024 Infrastructure Awards
Eighteen university-led projects will receive more than $5.2 million for research and infrastructure improvements, providing important safety, performance, and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation’s 25 university reactors, as well as enhancing university research and training infrastructure.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2023 Infrastructure Awards
Eighteen university-led projects will receive more than $6.3 million for research and infrastructure improvements, providing important safety, performance, and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation’s 25 university reactors, as well as enhancing university research and training infrastructure.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2022 Infrastructure Grants
Twenty university-led projects will receive more than $5.2 million for research reactor and infrastructure improvements, providing important safety, performance, and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation’s 25 university research reactors, as well as enhancing university research and training infrastructure.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below. Actual project funding will be established during contract negotiation phase.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2021 Infrastructure Grants
Twenty-four university-led projects will receive more than $5.9 million for research reactor and infrastructure improvements, providing important safety, performance, and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation’s 25 university research reactors, as well as enhancing university research and training infrastructure.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below. Actual project funding will be established during contract negotiation phase.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2020 Infrastructure Grants
Twenty-one university-led projects will receive more than $5.7 million for research reactor and infrastructure improvements, providing important safety, performance, and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation’s 25 university research reactors, as well as enhancing university research and training infrastructure.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below. Actual project funding will be established during contract negotiation phase.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2019 Infrastructure Grants
Seven university-led projects will receive more than $1.6 million for research reactor and infrastructure improvements providing important safety, performance and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation’s 25 university research reactors as well as enhancing university research and training infrastructure.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below. Actual project funding will be established during contract negotiation phase.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
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.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2017 Infrastructure Grants
The U.S. Department of Energy is awarding approximately $6 million to 19 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 2017 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.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2016 Infrastructure Grants
The Department of Energy is awarding approximately $5 million to 15 colleges and universities to support research reactor infrastructure and general scientific infrastructure improvements, ensuring that American universities have the best equipment and tools available to educate the next generation of industry leaders and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear R&D. These 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.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2015 Infrastructure Grants
The Department of Energy is awarding approximately $3.4 million to 9 colleges and universities to support research reactor infrastructure and general scientific infrastructure improvements, ensuring that American universities have the best equipment and tools available to educate the next generation of industry leaders and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear R&D. These 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.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2014 Infrastructure Grants
The Department of Energy is awarding approximately $4 million to 19 colleges and universities to support research reactor infrastructure and general scientific infrastructure improvements, ensuring that American universities have the best equipment and tools available to educate the next generation of industry leaders and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear R&D. These 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.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2013 Infrastructure Grants
The Department of Energy is awarding approximately $5 million to 15 colleges and universities to support research reactor infrastructure improvements, ensuring that American universities have the best equipment and tools available to educate the next generation of industry leaders and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear R&D. These awards will upgrade the existing fleet of research reactors and support equipment and infrastructure improvements, making these reactors more efficient and in line with industry advances.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2012 Infrastructure Grants
The Department of Energy is awarding $6 million to 23 colleges and universities through the Nuclear Energy University Programs to support research reactor infrastructure improvements, ensuring that American universities have the best equipment and tools available to educate the next generation of industry leaders and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear R&D. These awards will upgrade the existing fleet of research reactors and support equipment and infrastructure improvements, making these reactors more efficient and in line with industry advances.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2011 Infrastructure Grants
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it is awarding $5.69 million in infrastructure grants for 21 projects at 19 U.S. universities and colleges in more than 15 states to upgrade university research reactors and purchase equipment that will enhance nuclear research and educate the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers and technicians.
A full list of infrastructure recipients is listed below.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2010 Infrastructure Grants
The Office of Nuclear Energy recognizes that in order for U.S. universities to conduct cutting-edge research and educate the next generation of nuclear science and engineering students they need to be properly equipped. Through NEUP, the agency funds infrastructure grants of up to $300,000 for equipment and instrumentation for research reactors, other specialized facilities, classrooms and laboratories, and non-reactor nuclear science and engineering research.
NEUP awarded over $12 million in infrastructure grants to 40 universities in 2010.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
FY 2009 Infrastructure Grants
The Office of Nuclear Energy recognizes that in order for U.S. universities to conduct cutting-edge research and educate the next generation of nuclear science and engineering students they need to be properly equipped. Through NEUP, the agency funds infrastructure grants of up to $300,000 for equipment and instrumentation for research reactors, other specialized facilities, classrooms and laboratories, and non-reactor nuclear science and engineering research.
NEUP awarded about $6 million in infrastructure grants to 30 universities in 2009.
| Title | Institution | Estimated Funding | Abstract | Project Description | Project Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plasma sintering for nuclear fuel and alloy fabrication at Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $290,875.00 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will provide $40,875 cost share to acquire a state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering (SPS) set up to enhance educational and research capabilities in high throughput nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, and reactor structural materials fabrication. Total estimated project cost $331,750. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| High-Throughput Serial Sectioning of Nuclear Fuels, Materials, and Sensors | Purdue University | $299,869.00 | Purdue University will provide $49,869 cost share to acquire an automated, high-throughput serial sectioning instrument for three-dimensional characterization of nuclear fuels, materials, and sensors. Total estimated projected cost $349,738. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Simulating Nuclear Radiation Environments and Testing Capabilities for Electronics | University of Central Florida | $249,970.00 | Objective of the proposal is to develop an advanced capability for simulating and studying extreme environments with elevated radiation dose and high temperature conditions similar to that in nuclear facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Testing | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $263,806.00 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $13,806 cost share for the development of High Temperature Environmental Testing Facilities for Advanced Reactor Materials Research. Total estimated project cost $277,612. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| A High Current, High Energy Helium Beamline for Accelerated Nuclear Materials Development | University of Michigan | $409,826.00 | University of Michigan will provide $159,826 cost share to acquire and deploy a new high current helium ion source and corresponding beamline components at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) to form a new high current, high energy helium beamline to enable nuclear materials studies including in-situ helium effects in stressed specimen configurations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Commissioning of an easyXAFS to Enable Understanding of Short Order Structure in Nuclear Materials | University of Nevada, Reno | $292,085.00 | University of Nevada, Reno will provide $42,085 cost share to purchase an easyXFAS system, a high resolution, hard X-ray monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This instrument provides signal strengths approaching those from synchrotron-based XAS systems, and would enable easy analysis of radioactive samples and rapid iterations on experiments. Up to 33% of the time will be dedicated for external users. Innovative laboratory modules will be created showcasing the use of the facility. Total estimated project cost $334,170. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ Characterization of Transient Radioactive Compounds | University of Notre Dame | $247,056.00 | Project will add facilities at Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory for the handling of radioactive samples. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| In situ ion irradiation testing facilities for the investigation of nuclear materials under mechanical and thermal extremes | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $339,671.00 | University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide $89,671 cost share and will establish two novel testing stations coupled to the University of WisconsinÃÂMadison (UW-M) Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)ÃÂs 1.7 MV Tandem accelerator. Total estimated project cost $429,342. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Novel Optical Spectroscopy System (NOSS) to Enhance VCU Advanced Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $235,908.00 | Virginia Commonwealth University will develop a novel optical spectroscopy system to strengthen and enhance research & teaching capabilities for material characterization & analysis of advanced nuclear fuel and waste. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Instrumentation Hub for Education and Research at Washington State University | Washington State University | $266,063.00 | Washington State University will provide $16,064 cost share to enhance their nuclear science and radiochemistry research and education infrastructure with the purchase and installation of 1) a liquid scintillation counter with an alpha-beta separation package and 2) a mobile gamma spectrometer capable of measuring low energy gamma-rays (< 100 keV) and can be readily transported to teaching and research labs. Total estimated project cost $282,127. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Cooling Infrastructure Improvements at the KSU TRIGA Reactor Facility | Kansas State University | $175,153.00 | The KSU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor will replace and upgrade cooling system components to increase operational reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Operations and Utilization Improvements at the PSU Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $177,409.00 | Project is a set of infrastructure upgrades focused on improving utilization, reliability, and safety at the PSU Breazeale Reactor. Included in the project are a new console uninterruptible power supply, an ultrapure water source for radiochemistry, a digital signal analyzer for the emergency operations center HPGe detector, a new ion exchange vessel for the primary water system, and new in-core and beamline detectors for the rapid and repeatable measurement of neutron flux. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Reactor Effluent Analysis Instrumentation for Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $124,615.00 | The proposed project is to acquire a complete, new gamma spectroscopy system. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Linear Power Safety Channel Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $598,075.00 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace the 2 existing Linear Power monitoring Safety Channels amplifiers. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| MURR Facility Access Control Upgrade | University of Missouri, Columbia | $378,255.00 | Proposal is to acquire hardware and software necessary to upgrade the MU Research ReactorÃÂs facility access control system to a more secure system to maintain facility protection and to meet increased demands from faculty and student researchers authorized to use various areas of the MURR facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Priority hardware replacement for the AGN-201M reactor at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $437,995.00 | The proposed effort will replace aging and degraded hardware in the UNM AGN-201M nuclear reactor, including original power supplies and reactor safety logic systems, improving reactor safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Continuous Air Monitor and Source Range Detection Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $96,440.00 | The objective of this proposal is to increase operational reliability for UUTR operations by providing redundancy for aging equipment necessary for reactor operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| Infrastructure Enhancements in Support of Safety and Operational Reliability at the WSU TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $365,195.00 | Projects aim to replace the 62-year old obsolete overhead crane and add an underwater pool illumination system. Both are used in support of reactor maintenance, fuel inspections and movement, teaching, training, and research activities at the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2024 | |
| High Tempurature Thermal Diffusivity Equipment for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $136,000 | Project seeks to upgrade the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden our role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. Our eventual goal is to enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities, from the start to the end of NSUF projects. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| High-speed X-ray Imaging System Under a Chemically Protected Environment for Advanced High-temperature Non-Water-Cooled Reactor Experiments | Pennsylvania State University | $326,898 | Pennsylvania State University seeks a high-speed X-ray imaging system under a chemically controlled atmosphere to study high-temperature advanced reactor coolants and the materials-environment interactions. The capability of imaging low radioactive liquids and solids using a high-energy X-ray beam, at a very high imaging rate, and under a chemically protective environment is currently not available in the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Hot Isotatic Pressing (HIP) for Nuclear Fuels and Structural Materials | Purdue University | $258,750 | Purdue University seeks to expand the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) capabilities to include hot isostatic pressing (HIP) equipment to fabricate, densify, and/or process nuclear structural materials, nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, and radiation detectors. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| A Molten Salt Training and Research Loop for Advanced Nuclear Reactors | North Carolina State University | $250,000 | North Carolina State University will procure a molten salt pumped loop and glove box for both cutting-edge R&D and laboratory training for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. Future users of the salt loop will investigate a diversity of research topics that include fluid characterization, material corrosion, thermos-hydraulics, sensor development, and more. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of Hot Cell Irradiated Materials Micro and Nano-Mechanical Testing at the University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $209,305 | Project seeks to enhance the materials characterization capabilities at the University of New Mexico hot cell facilities through acquisition of a microhardness tester, an in situ SEM picoindenter, and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishment of a Salt Characterization Facility at UNR | University of Nevada, Reno | $180,779 | Project seeks to obtain accessories for existing characterization tools to determine the composition of halide salts. Specifically, a double glovebox, an ELTRA combustion analyzer and a titrator. This facility along with existing characterization infrastructure at UNR will allow for complete characterization of the salt composition. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Develop a Thermophysical Lab for Environment-Sensitive Nuclear Materials at Oregon State Univeristy | Oregon State University | $249,885 | Project aims to enhance Oregon State University (OSU)ÃÂs capabilities to handle and comprehensively characterize air- and water-sensitive nuclear materials, including (fuel-bearing) molten salts, liquid and solid metallic fuels, etc., by developing a THERmophysical and cheMical lab for envirOnment-sensitive NUCLEar mAteRials (The Thermonuclear lab). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Establishing a Nuclear Chemistry Core Facility at the University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $300,000 | University of Wyoming seeks to secure the necessary infrastructure to establish a nuclear chemistry core facility which will serve the research and teaching missions of the University of Wyoming. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| An Extreme-Temperature Load Frame for Reduced Length Scale Experimentation to Support Nuclear Materials Research and Education | University of Utah | $244,942 | University of Utah seeks to acquire a turn-key Psylotech õTS testing system and furnace chambers to enable elevated temperature testing (up to 1600áC) of reduced length scale specimens (dimensions from 10 õm to 10mm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Advanced SMR Simulator to Reinforce Nuclear Engineering Infrastructure at Rensselaer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $250,000 | Project seeks to strengthen the research and educational capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at RPI (developing the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center and a digital control room). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| NuScale SMR Energy Exploration Center for UNLV Engineering Program Education and Research | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | $250,000 | Project seeks to enhance the teaching and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The project aims to acquire the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, a state-of-the-art full scope reactor simulator based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2023 | |
| Upgrades to the Maryland University Training Reactor Cooling and Neutron Activation Analysis Systems for Enhanced Operational Reliability and Capability | University of Maryland, College Park | $1,465,001 | University of Maryland, College Park will increase and restore the safety, operational availability, and experimental capabilities of the Maryland University Training Reactor. A complete overhaul of the Primary and Secondary Coolant Systems will enable the reactor to operate continuously at its full licensed power. The acquisition of a microbalance and fume hood will improve the sensitivities of the neutron activation analysis program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement if the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor Ventilation System | Oregon State University | $416,405 | Oregon State University will increase the reliability and safety of the operational condition of the Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor ventilation system. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research as well as material science. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Replacement and Upgrade of the Reactor Secondary Cooling Loop at the WSU 1 MW TRIGA Reactor | Washington State University | $740,121 | Wasington State University will enhance the continued operational reliability and efficiency of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by replacing and simultaneously upgrading the research reactor cooling system secondary loop with equipment sized appropriately for heat removal and operation during summer heat. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Cruicial Cooling System Components | The Ohio State University | $87,158 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor will update replacement/spare custom facility components to enhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Procurement of Spare Digital Recorders, Replacement Portal Monitor, and Pool Lighting System at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $25,865 | Missouri University of Science and Technology will procure spare digital recorders for the MSTR control console, a new portal monitor, and a pool lighting system. These improvements will bolster facility safety and reliability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Radiological Safety and Operational Reliability Enhancements at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $78,531 | Pennsylvania State University will purchase two Alpha/Beta Continuous Air Monitors (Mirion iCAM) to replace the several decades old AMS-3 units, two new hand, cuff, and foot surface contamination monitors, one for reactor bay and the other in the new reactor beam hall exit area, a spare control rod servo drive and motor mechanism. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research Reactor's Area Radiation Monitor System Upgrade | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $898,769 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will upgrade the reactor's area radiation monitor system to improve reactor safety, personnel safety and reactor radiological emergency preparedness by replacing and expanding the existing area radiation monitor system with updated technology and equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2023 | |
| Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor Phase II | Abilene Christian University | $292,770 | Abilene Christian University will provide $42,770 in cost match toÃÂexpand a new radioactive materials characterization capability in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University. The new capability will provide real-time in situ characterization of molecular species in forced-flow molten salt systems using UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemistry of salt and mass spectrometry of the off gas in a new radiological lab (>5mr/hr@30cm). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Advanced Raman Spectroscopy for Characterization of f-Element Coordination Chemistry and Multiphasic Nuclear Waste Forms | Clemson University | $244,767 | This project seeks to purchase a new Raman microscope for student and faculty research at Clemson University. The new Raman microscope will be dedicated to examination of the chemistry and structure of radioactive materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Microscale PIE Tools for Expanding the Scientific Impact of the MIT Reactor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $156,249 | The MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab (NRL) seeks to purchase a Flash Differential Scanning Calorimeter, to enable a greatly increased scientific output from all materials used in the MIT reactor and throughout the NSUF network. The FlashDSC-2 allows thermal analysis up to 1000C, enabling the direct measurement of Wigner energy (radiation defects) for defect reaction analysis and quantification, which has major implications for correlating radiation effects from neutrons and ions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| SMR Full Scope Simulator for Upgrading the Ohio State University Nuclear Engineering Program Research and Education Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $275,000 | The Ohio State University will provide $25,000 inÃÂcost matchÃÂto enhance the educational and research capabilities of the Nuclear Engineering Program at The Ohio State University (OSU) by upgrading the infrastructure related to advanced reactor risk, reliability, safety and security characterization and improvement, and in support of its NSUF in the form of OSUÃÂs Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Risk, reliability, safety and security characterization will be enhanced through acquiring and installing NuScale's full scope simulator. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Reactor Simulator and Digital Control Room to Create New Paradigms for Nuclear Engineering Education and Research | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $317,500 | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide $67,500 inÃÂcost match to enhance the educational and research missions of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), as well as the research mission of DOE-NE, this project aims to acquire a nuclear reactor simulator and a versatile, configurable, and extensible digital control room. This simulator and digital control room will be used in undergraduate and graduate course work, in K-12 outreach efforts, and for research in several areas of importance to DOE-NE. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Post Irradiation Examination of Materials at MURR | University of Missouri, Columbia | $225,933 | This proposal requests funding for equipment that will establish a core of materials characterization capabilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR), and includes a Raman spectroscopy system, a microhardness tester, a micro test stand, a microscope and a digital image correlation system. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| High-Temperature Thermomechanical Characterization of Nuclear Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $565,573 | The University of Pittsburgh will provide $315,574 inÃÂcost match toÃÂpurchase a Gleeble system equipped with extreme environmental capabilities to strengthen core nuclear capability in strategic thrust areas in fuel performance, additive manufacturing of nuclear components, and reactor materials at the University of Pittsburgh. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Construction of a Flexible Fast Flux Facility for Cross Section Measurement, Benchmarking, and Education | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $319,306 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will provide $69,306 in cost matchÃÂto construct, license and operate a facility that can be used to measure nuclear physics properties in specific fast reactor flux specta. This project will deliver to the nation a Fast Flux Facility (FFF) that supports a variety of fast reactor designs including sodium, lead, and salt; through improved cross sections and neutronics codes for advanced reactor design and licensing. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2022 | |
| Procurement of Spare Parts for Instrumentation Channels, Electronics Test Equipment, and Power Uprate Study at the Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $172,157 | This project has three objectives: 1) to procure spare and replacement parts needed to maintain the reactorÃÂs safety and control systems, 2) to develop a suite of electronics test equipment that will provide researchers with the ability to study the performance of electronics under irradiation, and 3) to perform computational analyses needed as part of the process of requesting a power uprate. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhanced Safety, Operations, and Utilization Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $130,100 | The objective of this proposal is to provide the PULSTAR with essential safety, plant status monitoring, utilization, and radiation protection infrastructure upgrades that will ensure its continued safe and efficient operation currently and at 2-MWth. This infrastructure upgrade allows the facility to continue to meet the increasing needs of PULSTAR users, enhancing user experience, expansion into new facilities, and supports the institutional and national missions. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancement of radiation safety, security, and research infrastructure at newly constructed Neutron Beam Hall at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $364,240 | In this application, we seek funds for enhancement of radiation safety and security infrastructure for our new expanded beam hall, a triple neutron beam catcher for new cold neutron beamline, and a neutron beam cave for the beam bender and neutron chopper sections of the extended beam line for the SANS facility. The funds requested for this application will enable us to utilize the expanded beam hall safely and efficiently. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Reed College Reactor N.I. Power Monitoring Channels | Reed College | $543,400 | Reed College requests funding to primarily secure and secondarily extend the life of the safety system functions with new power monitoring channels at the console. Obsolete safety-critical signal conditioning of old channels puts the reactor at risk of indeterminate shut-down if not replaced by modern, well-supported technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Maximizing Long-Term Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education via Replacement Equipment for Crucial Reactor Pool Components | The Ohio State University | $111,354 | The Ohio State University Research Reactor depends upon many old, custom components in and around the reactor pool for which there are no replacements. Failure of any of these would likely result in an extended downtime. We are requesting funding to obtain replacement/spare custom facility components to ÃÂenhance the institutionsÃÂ availability to perform R&D that is relevant to DOE-NEÃÂs missionÃÂ by precluding a such a failure. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| University of Florida Training Reactor Gaseous Effluent Monitoring in Support of Reactor Operations and Research Activities | University of Florida | $55,720 | We propose the procurement of new gas effluent monitoring systems that will enable the UFTR to offer an increased suite of capabilities including plume monitoring and source term-tracking. The proposed system redundancy will enable a significant improvement of reliability and availability. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Core Modifications to Ensure the Continued Safe and Reliable Operation of the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $171,956 | During the installation of lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators discovered that these new fuel bundles would not fit into the grid plate. It was determined that the original bundles were installed in the wrong orientation in 1974. To install the lightly irradiated fuel bundles, reactor operators will need to unload the current core and disassemble all fuel bundles for inspection. The fuel will then be re-assembled with new end adapters for installation in the correct orientation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Operations and Radiation Safety Upgrades for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $156,496 | The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) will replace aging components associated with the area radiation monitoring system and the reactor instrumentation and control systems. In addition, a broad energy germanium detector will be acquired to provide radiological monitoring capabilities at the reactor facility. These acquisitions will provide reliability of reactor operations and improve radiation safety for staff, faculty, and students working at the reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Replacement and Upgrades to MURRÃÂs Facility Electrical Transformer and Reactor Primary Coolant Pumps and Motors | University of Missouri, Columbia | $170,775 | Replacement of primary coolant pumps and a facility electrical transformer is a high priority, critically needed enhancement for the MURR Center in order to support academic programs at the University of Missouri (MU) and partnering schools, and maintain the facilityÃÂs ability to perform research supporting DOE-NEÃÂs research mission. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Upgrading the UT Austin Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory Reactor Console and Instrumentation to Advance Nuclear Science and Engineering Research and Education | University of Texas at Austin | $792,101 | The objective of this project is to replace the original General Atomics (GA) integrated digital control and instrumentation system for the TRIGA Mark II nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a modern, reliable, enhanced and capable system to increase useable reactor power, eliminate the risk for catastrophic failure, and improve reactor safety. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Radiation Tolerant Inspection Camera at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $55,495 | The specific objective of this proposal is to enhance safety and ensure regulatory compliance at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM) through the acquisition of a radiation tolerant underwater camera with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) capabilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| Enhancing the Operational Reliability of the TRIGA Reactor at Washington State University Utilizing Back-Up Reactor Core Nuclear Instrumentation | Washington State University | $104,976 | The goal of this project is to enhance the continued operational reliability of the WSU Nuclear Science Center 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor by procuring spare reactor power detectors to replace aging ex-core detectors and fabricating detector housings. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2022 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25190: Real-Time In Situ Characterization of Molecular and Complex Ionic Species in Forced-Flow Molten Salt Loops and a Molten Salt Research Reactor | Abilene Christian University | $367,793 | This project supports establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems, specifically adding Raman and gamma spectroscopies to the Abilene Christian University (ACU), the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab molten salt and materials characterization tools. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25206: High-Speed Terahertz Scanning System for Additively Manufactured Ceramic Materials and Composites for TCR Core Materials | Alfred University | $90,000 | This project supports procurement and installation of a custom-made high-speed terahertz (THz) dual scanner system that will demonstrate non-destructive imaging of AM ceramic materials and composites for TCR core application. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25188: High-Efficiency Electrochemical Test Facility for Corrosion and Hydrodynamic Analysis in Molten Salts | Brigham Young University | $180,269 | This project advocates the purchase of rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to provide high throughput testing of materials and measurement of physical properties in molten salts. The proposal suggests that the purchase will yield an "Intermediate" advance on current methods for interrogating corrosion in molten salts. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25233: CSU Accurate Neutron Dosimetry Research and Teaching Infrastructure | Colorado State University | $39,500 | This project supports procuring a new and well-characterized set of neutron detectors (Bonner Spheres) and the ATTILA4MC computer code to provide additional neutron detection capacity and neutron spectroscopy capabilities. Primary utilization is to enhance student education and training in the area of neutron detection and dosimetry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25109: Interrogating f-element-ligand Interactions by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy | Florida International University | $302,826 | This project promotes the purchase of analytical instruments, including an X-ray absorption spectrometer and a probe for NMR spectrometer, to enhance radiochemistry research. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25197: Ultrafast elemental depth profiling to enable high-throughput characterization of nuclear materials and fuels | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $304,724 | This project will support the purchase of a pulsed radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GDOES), with the capability of ultrafast elemental depth profiling. Potential unique capability as a tool for high throughput compositional characterization of nuclear materials and fuels. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25130: High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear fuels | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project requests funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system for in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components. This novel non-destructive characterization capability will enhance capabilities at a current NSUF partner institution providing a unique offering within NSUF NEID. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25148: Dedicated Infrastructure for In Situ Characterization of Structural Materials | State University of New York, Stony Brook | $204,327 | This project supports procurement of a suite of equipment dedicated to characterizing radioactive materials. Microscale specimen preparation and property testing equipment is an area of significant need within the nuclear research complex. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25122: Infrastructure upgrades to the Texas A&M University Accelerator Laboratory | Texas A&M University | $246,418 | This project will provide support to enhance Texas A&M Univ. Accelerator Laboratory, specifically (1) to increase the proton irradiation efficiency by one order of magnitude; (2) to offer the new capability of simultaneous proton ion irradiation and corrosion testing in molten salts related to molten salt reactor (MSR) applications; and (3) to develop the new capability of in-situ characterization of specimen thickness and elemental distributions during corrosion testing. The project will lead to a capability that is not duplicated at other facilities. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25126: Development of a Rapid Chemical Assessment Capability for In-Situ TEM Ion Irradiations | University of Michigan | $350,000 | This project will support the acquisition and deployment of a Gatan GIF (Gatan Imaging Filter) Continuum ER system in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) ThermoFisher Tecnai TF30 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) that is augmented to allow in situ dual ion beam irradiation. This purchase will result in a significant enhancement of the characterization capabilities of MIBL system, that will result in high-throughput experimental workflows including in-situ TEM ion irradiations. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25140: Neutron irradiation facility at the NSL | University of Notre Dame | This project supports development of a neutron irradiation station (NIS) at the Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame (UND) providing a monoenergetic flux of neutrons in the energy range of a few keV to a few MeV produced via (p,n) or (a,n) reactions on low-Z target materials, such as Li and Be. Significant utilization is expected within both educational and R&D missions, with R&D utilization expanding from nuclear data to radiation effects studies. The capability will be hosted by NSF-supported facility with a significant postgraduate "hands-on" education program. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | ||
| NEUP Project 21-25232: A dedicated facility for direct visualization of bubble dynamics in molten salts | University of Puerto Rico at MayagÃÂez | $250,000 | The proposed facility in this projects enables experiments to correlate bubbles and bubbles clusters size, dynamics, composition, terminal velocity, temperature, environmental pressure and composition and purity with their aerosol production at bursting, at temperatures from operating conditions up to 1000 áC. Unique capability for molten salts systems. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25238: A High-Temperature Mechanical Testing Platform for Accelerated, Parallelized, and Miniaturized Materials Qualification | University of Texas at El Paso | $250,000 | This project requests funds forÃÂthe acquisition of an Instron 8862 servo-electric testing system with intelligent furnace control capable of high temperature quasi-static (tensile, creep, stress relaxation, etc.) and dynamic testing (low cycle fatigue, creep-fatigue, etc.). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25241: Fuel Fabrication Line for Advanced Reactor Fuel Research, Development and Testing | University of Texas at San Antonio | $286,344 | This project will support the fabrication and testing of advanced nuclear fuels and materials, specifically the development of the uranium-bearing compounds, alloys, and composites. Specific focus is the synthesis of novel samples of relevant fuel compounds, like uranium nitride (UN) and the fabrication of dense, uniform geometries (pellets) of these samples as well as fuel compounds such as namely uranium silicides, carbides, composite forms of these fuels, and metallic fuel alloys/ compounds. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25150: Instrumentation for Enhanced Safety, Utilization, and Operations Infrastructure at the NCSU PULSTAR Reactor | North Carolina State University | $341,760 | This project will upgrade and enhance the safety, operations, and utilization infrastructure at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU); installation of modern reactor console instrumentation to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the PULSTAR reactor and installation of comprehensive and facility wide radiation protection and moisture/temperature sensor systems. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25227: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment àEnsuring Continued Operational Capacity | Oregon State University | $555,416 | This project will upgrade necessary spare items to ensure sustained operation without lengthy unplanned outages for the Oregon State University Mk II Oregon State TRIGAè Reactor (OSTR) at the Oregon State University Radiation Center. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25222: High-Temperature Molten Salt Irradiation and Examination Capability for the Penn State Breazeale Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $179,715 | This project will build and install a permanent, high-temperature, molten salt neutron irradiation and post-irradiation analysis capability at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25228: Reed Research Reactor Compensated Ion Chamber Replacement | Reed College | $140,000 | This project will improve reliability of the reactor program at Reed College byÃÂpurchasingÃÂa spare Compensated Ion Chamber (CIC) to monitor the reactor power. The CIC allows the reactor operator to monitor and control the reactor power. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25112: Enhancement of Availability of The Ohio State University Research Reactor for Supporting Research and Education | The Ohio State University | $73,539 | This project wil support replacement parts for essential OSU Research Reactor (OSURR) control-room equipment that has been in continuous service for decades; custom reactor protection system (RPS) modules for which the lab has no spares. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25142: Safety and Reliability Enhancements for the UC Irvine TRIGA Reactor | University of California, Irvine | $74,950 | This project will increase the reliability of the TRIGA reactor instrumentation and control systems, increase the radiation safety for experiments while expanding research capabilities, and improve the fuel surveillance and management program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25213: Acquisition of an Automated Pneumatic Sample Transfer System for Neutron Irradiation at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $282,000 | The University of Florida will acquire an automated pneumatic sample transfer system to be used for moving samples into the University of Florida Training Reactor for irradiation and transferring the samples to laboratories for experimental use. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25202: Advancing Radiation Detection Education at the Maryland University Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $208,140 | This project will modernize the radiation safety equipment and radiation detection capabilities at the Maryland University Training Reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25132: Development of Neutron Tomography at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $222,294 | This proposal will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM). Proposal seeks to enhance the neutron radiography capabilities at the reactor, by acquiring a high-resolution detector, rotation stage, visualization software and a high-performance computer. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 21-25215: Upgrade to the 1 MW TRIGA Research Reactor Pool Liner at WSU | Washington State University | $302,657 | This project will enhance the safety, performance, and continued operational reliability of the WSU NSC 1.0 MW TRIGA conversion research reactor: 1) Restore the reactor tank concrete, which is in much need of repair, and 2) Replace the epoxy concrete tank liner with a modern, robust epoxy liner that has already been successfully utilized and in service at other reactor facilities. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2021 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21610: Enhancing Mechanical Testing Capabilities to Support High-throughput Nuclear Material Development | Auburn University | $210,398 | The project seeks to enhance the advanced mechanical testing capabilities at Auburn University through the aquisition of two key instruments to further support its existing nuclear research and education programs, as well as advanced manufacturing. An integrated micro- and nano-indentation platform with high-temperature capability will be acquired to cover grain scale high-throughput mechanical evaluation. A digital image correlation system will also be acquired to develop a high-throughput macroscale mechanical testing procedure of the compositionally and microstructurally gradient tensile specimens to maximize neutron test efficiency. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19328: A 3D Metal Printer to Enable Innovations in Nuclear Materials and Sensors | Boise State University | $319,941 | This project will establish the capability to additively manufacture metallic materials at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and within the NSUF network. This capability will help advance cross-cutting research on additive manufacturing of nuclear materials and in-core sensors and will enable new educational opportunities to attract and train high-quality students for the next generation nuclear energy workforce. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21612: High-Speed Thermogravimetry Equipped with Mass Spectrometry for Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Nuclear Energy Materials | Clemson University | $228,237 | The project will allow for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal analysis infrastructure of a high-speed thermogravimetry equipped with online mass spectrometry, allowing for high-speed temperature variation and instantaneous, simultaneous, and accurate quantification of exit species. The rapid and accurate thermodynamic and kinetic study of nuclear energy materials and processes will result in a robust thermodynamic characterization hub for nuclear energy materials and processes. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21572: Development of an In-Situ Testing Laboratory for Research and Education of Very High Temperature Reactor Materials | North Carolina State University | $261,175 | This project will allow for the development of a unique in-situ testing laboratory (ISTL) through acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and installation of a miniature thermomechanical fatigue testing system inside the SEM. The proposed ISTL will give the research community unprecedented capability to perform nuclear research, educate next generation scientists, and develop a future NSUF program in studying real-time microstructure evolution of very high temperature reactor materials under realistic loading conditions. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21567: Development of a High Throughput Nuclear Materials Synthesis Laboratory | University of Michigan | $166,560 | This project will allow for the acquisition of equipment to establish rapid materials consolidation and modification to complement the already established facilities at the University of Michigan, including the world-class Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL). Coupling both MIBL and the proposed facility in a single research effort will result in a new end-to-end high throughput nuclear materials discovery capability in a single institution. The resulting increase in capability will serve all nuclear energy supporting universities, national laboratories, and industry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21628: Infrastructure Support for In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Examination of Structure, Composition and Defect Evolution of Irradiated Structural Materials at University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno | $343,147 | The project will establish a new, in-situ, nano-scaled structure, composition and defects evolution examination infrastructure system for irradiated structural materials using the Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter, which is designed to work in conjunction with a state-of-art high resolution TEM. This system will allow in-situ characterization under mechanical strain in a variety of irradiated materials at the University of Nevada, Reno. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21603: Establishment of Remote Control High Temperature Mechanical Testing Facility in a Hot Cell at The University of New Mexico | University of New Mexico | $250,000 | This project will establish a high temperature mechanical testing capability within the hot cell of Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico that can be operated using the existing manipulators, allowing remote operation for testing radioactive specimens. Combined with the existing infrastructure, this capability will allow establishment ofÃmicrostructure-mechanical property relations in structural materials for nuclear applications. The facility will also help educate and train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy makers. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21614: High Temperature Thermophysical Properties of Nuclear Fuels and Materials | University of Pittsburgh | $300,000 | This project will allow the acquisition of key equipment to strengthen the core nuclear capability in the strategic thrust area of instrumentation and measurements at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished through the purchase of a laser flash analyzer and a thermal mechanical analyzer as a tool suite for complete thermophysical property information, and to fill an infrastructure gap to enhance nuclear research and education. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21624: Ex-situ and In-situ Molten Salt Chemical Analysis Capabilities for the Development of Materials in Molten Salt Environments | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $263,000 | The project will allow for the addition of a state-of-the-art laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system, which will complement the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nuclear Engineering program's molten salt researchÃcapabilitiesÃwith an ex-situ and in-situ chemical analysis characterization tool that can detect all impurities in the salt, even low-Z elements. With these additions, higher throughput analysis of alloys and salts for molten salt reactor applications would be developed and would accelerate material discoveries. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21609: A Customized Creep Frame to Enable High-Throughput Characterization of Creep Mechanism Maps | Utah State University | $160,000 | This project will allow for the acquisition and installation of a custom creep testing frame with an environmental chamber which has been modified with windows to support camera-based strain measurements. The measurements obtained using the equipment will be used to study heterogeneous creep strain accumulation in nuclear materials, with applications geared towards light water reactor sustainability, accident tolerant fuels, and other important materials-related challenges in nuclear science and engineering. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-19067: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy for Nuclear Science and Radiochemistry Research and Education | Washington State University | $287,450 | This project will allow for the acquisition of a radiological laboratory-based high-resolution hard X-ray spectrometer that can perform both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy. This instrument will greatly upgrade the technical capability of the nuclear reactor facility at Washington State University (WSU) for nuclear-related and radiochemical research and teaching, allowing for enhancement of WSUÃs capacity to attract high quality students interested in nuclear science. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20215: A New Control Rod Drive Mechanism Design for the ISU AGN-201M Reactor | Idaho State University | $59,262 | The existing control rod drive mechanism of the Idaho State University's Aerojet General Nucleonics model 201-Modified reactor will be replaced with a new, reliable, alternative design to reduce the overall complexity and probability of failure and improve the overall reliability and safety of the reactor. With proper material selection and improved structural design, the new drives are lighter, with little to no change in structural integrity, and eliminate the binding scenarios by using a single lead screw and implementing additional guide rods. The new design ensures the reactorÃs long-term viability for educational and research activities and increases the reliability and safety of operation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-20186: University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MIT Research ReactorÃs Normal and Emergency Electrical Power Supply Systems | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $537,818 | The existing emergency electrical power battery system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor will be updated with new technology and equipment, enhancing emergency preparedness of the reactor facility by restoring the post-shutdown emergency power supply for at least eight hours. In addition, the two existing reactor motor control centers that provide normal electrical power to the reactor's main cooling pumps, building isolation equipment, instrumentation, and other necessary operational and safety equipment, will be updated to improve equipment reliability and enhance personnel electrical safety by using components that meet modern standards. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21634: Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment à Increasing Material Science Capability | Oregon State University | $118,020 | The TRIGA¨ Mk II Oregon State TRIGA¨ ReactorÃprogram will purchaseÃa liquid scintillation counter in order to increase utilization of the facility. This upgrade will provide opportunity for continued safe use of the reactor in the areas of nuclear science and engineering research, as well as materials science at Oregon State University and development relevant to the DOE. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21589: Underground Waste Storage Tanks Removal and Installation of New Above Ground Waste Storage Tanks and Waste Evaporator Pit at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center | Pennsylvania State University | $306,744 | In order for the necessary construction of a new beam ball at the Penn State Breazeale Reactor, the antiquated underground storage tanks will be replaced with above ground water storage tanks within the expanded neutron beam hall space. This effort will allow progress to continue toward the goal of massively expanding the number of neutron experiment stations available to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center users. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21633: PUR-1 Water Processing and Cooling System Upgrade | Purdue University | $36,000 | The heat exchanger and associated water process system of the Purdue University Reactor Number One will be replaced, in order to ensure the reactor's safe and continuous operation. This replacement will allow the Purdue UniversityÃReactorÃNumber One to reject 10 kW of reactor heat with nominal excess capacity and achieve steady state operations at the fully licensed power level with enhanced capacity, reliability, and safety. With this replacement, the facility will be able to access fluence required for meaningful research applications. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21571: Reactor Safety Control Component Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $477,000 | The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center's last remaining original components in the reactor controls system will be upgraded and the remaining components will be integrated into a configuration that not only enhances the reactor operatorÃs ability to operate the reactor safely, but also improves reliability, maintenance capability and longevity. By replacing the last of the vacuum tube based technology from the original installation with the Reactor Safety Control Components, the long term viability of the research reactor to support ongoing and future research projects and educational endeavors will be improved. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21621: Equipment Upgrades at University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) to enable neutron-induced reaction research. | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $129,788 | Equipment and the experimental infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Research Reactor will be upgraded, in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor during the next 20 or more years of operations. A new control console that will ensure the safe and efficient operation, as well as upgrades to the experimental infrastructure of the facility, during the next 20 or more years of operations. The proposed control system upgrades will continue to enhance this ongoing educational development pathway. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21601: University of Missouri Research Reactor Beryllium Reflector Replacement | University of Missouri, Columbia | $585,013 | The University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor's beryllium reflector will be replaced, due to the irradiation induced swelling from the neutron fluence and thermal induced tensile stress from radiation heating of the beryllium material. Replacing the reactorÃs beryllium reflector is a high priority and critical upgrade necessary for the continued safe and reliable operations of the reactor to support nuclear science and engineering students and faculty, as well as the facilityÃs extensive infrastructure supporting the research needs of the nuclear industry. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 20-21593: Reactor Cooling System Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $487,387 | The cooling system of the Universty of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR) will be replaced to enhance performance and utility by allowing for the reactor to run for much longer periods at full power, increasing safety and operational reliability. Converting the cooling mechanism from a passive system to an active system will increase the cooling capacity by up to 1 MW thermal energy. This will allow for the UUTR to have much longer runtimes and higher daily neutron/gamma fluence, which will enhance the capability for a wide range of nuclear research and development efforts. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2020 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17780: Enhancement of Material Characterization Capabilities at North Carolina State University for Supporting Nuclear Energy Related Studies | North Carolina State University | $290,000 | This project will enhance material characterization/examination capabiltiies for nuclear energy research. The university will acquire a high spatial resolution photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy and mapping system to characterize nuclear fuel, cladding materials and nuclear sensor materials, along with a floating zone furnace for sample preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17961: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Oregon State University | $250,000 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17944: Multi Universities for Small Modular Reactor Simulators: NuScale | Texas A&M University | $308,223 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17955: Multi University Simulators for Small Modular Reactors: NuScale | University of Idaho | $285,763 | This project is one of three to build NuScale reactor simulators in multiple universities (Oregon State University, Texas A&M and the University of Idaho) for research, education, K-12 outreach, and public advocation regarding nuclear power and Small Modular Reactor technology. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17958: High Throughput Material Characterizations and Irradiation Capabilities for the Development of High Entropy Alloys in Nuclear Application | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $211,294 | This project has two key components, which aim at developing new high throughput capabilities for the entire nuclear materialsà community. The university will develop an automated high-speed surface imaging and chemical analysis capability for additively manufacturing high entropy alloys and develop high throughput irradiation capabilities at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory to investigate radiation damage resistance of HEAs. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17572: Reed College Reactor Infrastructure Support | Reed College | $104,000 | Funding will be used by Reed College to improve reliability and enhance the research capabilities of the reactor program. This includes the replacement of the liquid scintillation counter and the air particulate and gas stack monitor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| NEUP Project 19-17668: A Request for Replacement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab will replace the existing reactor control-rod drive mechanism system with a modern system that will improve operational reliability and safety. The end result will maximize the long-term availability of the reactor, a Nuclear Science User Facilities partner facility, for serving the education and research missions of both the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, and The Ohio State University. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2019 | |
| Mechanical Testing and Characterization Upgrades to Support Nuclear Energy Additive Manufacturing Research | Colorado School of Mines | $172,752 | This project will install a subminiature mechanical testing load frame in the Minesà 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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Enhancement of Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree with a Web Based Generic Pressurized Water Reactor Plant Simulator | Excelsior College | $245,000 | ThisÃproject will purchase a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor (GPWR) simulator toÃÃ incorporate lessons into five required courses in an online, ABET accreditedÃBachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (BSNET) degree programÃto enhance student learning and improve nuclear workforce preparation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for Nuclear Fuel Performance Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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). | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Refurbishment of Co-60 Source in Penn State Gamma Irradiator | Pennsylvania State University | $240,645 | TheÃobjective 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 . | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Radioactive Powder Characterization Equipment for Enhanced Research and Teaching Capability | Texas A&M University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Installation of a Novel High Throughput Micro and Macro Scale Machining Capability for Pre and Post Irradiation Examination | University of California - Berkeley | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Expanding Mechanical Testing and Characterization Capabilities for Irradiated Materials Research at University of Florida | University of Florida | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| Infrastructure Support for In-Situ High Temperature Dynamic Nano-mechanical Testing System for Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Structural Materials | University of Nevada - Reno | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| X-ray Diffraction System to Enhance VCU Nuclear Materials Research and Education | Virginia Commonwealth University | $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. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2018 | |
| A Dedicated Laboratory for Radioactive Sample Handling (includes pneumatic transfer system & fuel tool) | Kansas State University | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for: MITR Modular Hot Cells for Post-Irradiation Examination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| General Reactor Safety Improvement at Missouri S&T Reactor | Missouri Science and Technology | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Establishing a Hot Cell Capability at the Pulstar Reactor | North Carolina State University | $488,464 | The objective of this project is to establish a hot cell capability at the PULSTAR reactor of North Carolina State University (NCSU). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Hot Cell Laboratory Upgrades to Support the Integrated Nuclear Fuel and Structural Materials Research Center at the University of Florida Training Reactor | University of Florida | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Increase Our Understanding of the Maryland University Training Reactor Core (includes underwater camera & chart recorder) | University of Maryland | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Upgrades for MURR Reactor Control and In-Pool Maintenance Operations | University of Missouri - Columbia | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Reactor Control Console Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $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. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin - Madison | $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). | Reactor Upgrades | FY2018 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics for Nuclear Applications | Alfred University | $379,925 | CeraFab 8500 printer will enable additive manufacturing work on ceramic materials by developing techniques and training faculty and graduate students through work on fuel surrogates. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Development of Nuclear Grade Nanoparticle Ink Synthesis Capabilities for Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Sensors | Boise State University | $295,392 | Synthesis and characterization equipment (advanced manufacturing) to support advanced manufacturing for nuclear sensors. This builds upon an infrastructure grant from FY2016. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| High-Temperature Atmosphere-Controlled Raman Microscope for Fuel Cycle Materials Research | Clemson University | $249,600 | Raman microscope with high-temperature atmosphere-controlled capability for the characterization of ceramic materials relevant to diverse aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Procurement of a micro-autoclave for X-ray Diffraction Measurements | Illinois Institute of Technology | $160,000 | The proposed equipment (autoclave with two sapphire windows) will allow in-situ micro-scale characterization of oxide microstructure of nuclear materials under corrosion in various environments as well as the in-situ investigation of primary water radiolysis effect on corrosion. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Establishing MITÃs Experimental Capabilities for LWR Thermal-Hydraulics Investigations | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $218,825 | New cameras (VIS and IR camera (2)) to expand experimental capabilities in two phase flow and boiling heat transfer, leveraging high-speed infrared and video imaging techniques, spatial resolution of 100 m and a temporal resolution of 0.4 ms. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Advanced Nuclear Materials Laboratory Enhancements for Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Testing | North Carolina State University | $288,467 | A full system for stress-corrosion cracking testing in light water reactor environments, Two individual Ãbasicà high pressure autoclaves essentially for teaching purposes, Electrochemical corrosion testing equipment. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Spatiotemporally Resolved Multiscale Measurements of Single- and Multi-Phase Flows Using State-Of-The-Art System of X-ray Tomography and Optical Sensors | Texas A&M University | $235,985 | State-of-the-art X-ray tomography combined to high-frequency optical sensors to our advanced flow visualization systems to perform high resolution measurements of single- and multi-phase flows. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Enhancing Research Infrastructure at The Ohio State UniversityÃs Nuclear Engineering Program | The Ohio State University | $249,945 | Will support research in advanced sensor development and material property characterization. Instruments include photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectrometers, GHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, pulsed laser, fiber optic sensor characterization equipment, inert environment glovebox, equipment for ultrasonics testing, and mechanical translation stages. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| IASCC Test Facility for University of Florida Nuclear fuel and Structural Materials Research Center | University of Florida | $246,379 | Fill the nationally wide need gap for IASCC test facility in order to support the materials degradation and advanced nuclear materials development for the LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. 2. Support the on-going, under-review and near future nuclear materials research at the University of Florida. 3. Train next generation of work force for nuclear engineerinthe g R&D sector with radioactive materials hands-on experience. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Innovative Nuclear Research at the University of Idaho | University of Idaho | $303,549 | Installation of a thermal hydraulic test loop: printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), test steels and Ni-based alloys in simulated water reactor environments. Dynamic materials testing loop: An existing static autoclave testing system will be modified with a high pressure re-circulation flow loop, loading train, and required instrumentation for fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials used in nuclear reactors. Thermal analysis system: adsorption isotherms for various systems including non-radioactive isotopes of fission products on graphite and graphitic materials. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Perform Experiments Related to Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cyclical Fatigue, and Creep of LWR Advanced Alloy Structural Components | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $280,670 | Autoclave Recirculating Loop to Enable LWR Immersion, Slow Strain Rate (SSRT), and Constant Extension Rate Testing (CERT) to perform experiments related to stress corrosion cracking, cyclical fatigue, and creep of LWR advanced alloy structural components | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Instrumentation in Support of the Michigan Advanced Nuclear Imaging Center (MINIC) | University of Michigan | $300,000 | Advanced high-speed X-ray imaging, high resolution distributed temperature sensors, and high resolution profile velocimetry sensing for application in liquid metals and other fluids + development, design, and testing of new fast neutron imaging technologies. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry Controlled Recirculatory Loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $304,721 | Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometer & Chemistry controlled recirculatory loop for the Environmental Degradation of Nuclear Materials Laboratory. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation | Utah State University | $300,000 | Focused Ion Beam for Advanced Specimen Preparation, 3D Microstructural Characterization, and Simulated Irradiation. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Infrastructure Upgrade for Nuclear Engineering Research and Education at Virginia Tech | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $290,000 | Equipment to characterize single and two phase flows in three dimensions to support V&V of simulation codes and to study dynamic corrosion in turbulent environments. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2017 | |
| Digital Control and Safety System Modernization for the Penn State TRIGA Reactor | Pennsylvania State University | $1,084,000 | Pennsylvania State University will replace the existing control console with a system based on nuclear-grade hardware, including eventually a digital safety system. The software and system architecture would be "open source" with all technical and regulatory content would be shared among the TRIGA Reactor UserÃs Group. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| A Request for Upgrade of the Ohio State University Research Reactor Beam Ports Infrastructure | The Ohio State University | $184,328 | Ohio State University will acquire radiation shielding material and instrumentation to recommission two neutron beam ports at the research reactor. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Core Verification and CRDM Upgrades for the University of Maryland Training Reactor | University of Maryland, College Park | $315,120 | University of Maryland will purchase a spare control rod drive mechanism, end fittings for the new fuel elements and upgrade the software for the facilityÃs gamma spectrometry equipment. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Reactor Engineering Upgrades | University of Missouri, Columbia | $319,067 | University of Missouri, Columbia will purchase new paperless strip chart recorders and an off-gas (stack) effluent monitoring system to replace obsolete safety instrumentation. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $61,460 | University of Wisconsin, Madison will replace health physics (HP) radiation monitoring equipment to support the operation and research. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Facility Exhaust Gas Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $11,163 | Washington State University will replace the existing 1970s-vintage Exhaust Gas Monitoring (EGM) system with a modern system. The original system will be retained as a backup. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2017 | |
| Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials and Sensor Devices for Nuclear Energy Applications | Boise State University | $250,000 | Boise State University will procure an aerosol jet printer in order to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications. The equipment will have crosscutting significance to advanced sensor and instrumentation research in multiple nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel cycles. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Development of reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety research facilities at Kansas State University | Kansas State University | $240,791 | Kansas State University will enhance their Reactor Thermalhydraulics and Safety Research facilitieswith the purchase and installation of 1) a high-speed multispectral infrared imaging system; 2) a high-speed imaging system; 3) a laser system for Particle Image Velocimetry measurements; and 4) a Very Near Infra-Red hyperspectral imaging system. This equipment will help build a unique facility capable of simultaneously observing thermal and material behavior. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of the MIT Research Reactor's Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Capabilities | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $215,749 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Reactor (MITR) will upgrade post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities to better complement the irradiation capabilities and broaden their role as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner. The upgrade will enable the MITR to provide full irradiation and sample analysis capabilities from start to finish. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Versatile D-T Neutron-Generation System for Fast-Neutron Research and Education | Pennsylvania State University | $300,000 | Pennsylvania State University (PSU) will provide $50,000 in cost match and $118,430 in cost share to acquire a 14-MeV neutron-generation system consisting of two AdelphiÃs D-T tubes (10^8 n/sec & 10^10 n/sec) utilizing a single control unit. The acquisition of the system will enable further expansion of PSUÃs research and education in the areas of materials irradiation testing and characterization, fast-neutron activation analysis, high-energy neutron imaging, fundamental neutron physics, accelerator-driven subcritical systems, radiation damage to electronics, and radiochemistry. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Two-Phase Flow Facility for Dynamic Characterization of Thermal Hydraulics in Light Water Reactors | Texas A&M University | $250,000 | TAMU will design, install, and fully implement a two-phase flow facility for dynamic characterization of thermal hydraulics in LWRs. The enhancement will not only enable extraction of high quality single and two phase flow data to help advance experimental benchmarks for simulation efforts (e.g., RELAP-7 two phase flow models), but will also enrich the undergraduate educational experience and graduate research potential within the Nuclear Engineering Department at TAMU.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Research and teaching equipment for nuclear materials characterization | University of California, Berkeley | $249,649 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) will enhance laboratory safety with the purchase of a hand foot detector as well as enhance the mechanical property testing capability in order to test reactor irradiated materials on all length scales and temperatures. In addition, localized physical property probing will allow UCB to support particular fuels related work while nondestructive testing equipment will enhance the thermohydraulics work and engineering scale failure analysis. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| A Dual Ion Beam Interface to a TEM for In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution under Irradiation and Implantation | University of Michigan | $299,950 | University of Michigan will provide $49,950 in cost matchÃto assemble and interface two ion beam lines to a new FEI Tecnai G2 F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM) to provide unprecedented capability for conducting in-situ analysis of microstructural evolution under simultaneous ion irradiation and implantation.Ã | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| Calorimeter for Nuclear Energy Teaching and Research | Washington State University | $233,000 | Washington State University will purchase and setup a new calorimeter for thermodynamic data determination with radioisotopes, both in liquid phases and at solid/liquid interfaces. | General Scientific Infrastructure | FY2016 | |
| ISU AGN-201 Reactor Safety Channels Upgrade | Idaho State University | $80,805 | Idaho State University will replace the BF3 detectors in the AGN-1 Reactor with modern B-10 lined detectors. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| University Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the MITR Research Reactor's Nuclear Instrumentation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $499,640 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology will improve reactor safety and operational reliability by procuring and installing new instruments (electronics and detection elements) for two of the four nuclear instrumentation channels that are used to monitor and control the reactor power level. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Upgrade of Control Console Instrumentation and Monitoring Equipment at the PULSTAR reactor | North Carolina State University | $480,000 | North Carolina State University will upgrade components of the PULSTAR reactor control console instrumentation and monitoring equipment.Ã This upgrade will result in: increasing the reliability of critical monitoring channels by replacing obsolete electronics with new state-of-the-art instrumentation, and increasing the level of redundancy and backup functionality between channels to eliminate the possibility of critical failures leading to extended facility shutdowns. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Furthering Oregon State University to Meet Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Challenges Through Reactor Upgrade Investment | Oregon State University | $683,500 | Oregon State University will fulfill two immediate infrastructure needs; replace the remaining original components of the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor secondary cooling system and replace the nuclear instrumentation for our remaining original measuring channels.Ã | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Facility Stack Radiological Release Monitor Upgrade | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center | $180,000 | Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center will upgrade the facility stack air monitor, which is used to detect any airborne radioactive gas or particulate that is released from the facility. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| A NEUP Reactor Upgrade Request for Replacement and Enhancement of the Control-Rod Drive System for The Ohio State University Research Reactor | The Ohio State University | $230,000 | Ohio State University will replace the existing 50+ year old reactor control-rod drive system of The Ohio State University Research Reactor with a modern system that will help maximize long-term reactor availability and improve safety. The proposed upgrade will help ensure ongoing operations to meet the needs of education and research for both OSU and DOE-NE. It will make use of modern components but be designed to minimize difficulty in safety approval. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Equipment Upgrade at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Research Reactor | University of Massachusetts, Lowell | $251,930 | University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will replace and upgrade two major reactor infrastructure elements of UMLRR: 1) replacement of the 40-year old heat exchanger with a modern, fully instrumented flat-plate heat exchanger; 2) addition of an "analog" neutron flux monitoring channel based on a fission chamber detector. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Neutron Flux Monitoring Channels Upgrade for the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor | University of Utah | $433,563 | University of Utah will acquire two neutron flux monitoring channels, a wide-range logarithmic channel, and a wide-range linear channel to replace the aging and degraded flux monitoring channels in the University of Utah TRIGA reactor (UUTR). This foreseen upgrade of the UUTR neutron flux monitoring channels will assure safe and reliable operational capabilities and enhance sustaining exponential growth of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 | |
| Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitoring System Upgrade | Washington State University | $35,899 | Washington State University will acquire a replacement CAM system with features such as airborne radioactive material concentration measurement capability and digital data logging. | Reactor Upgrades | FY2016 |
*Actual project funding will be established during the award negotiation phase
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