Accelerator-induced transients in Accelerator Driven Subcritical Reactors

Achieving higher particles energies and beam powers have long been the main focus of research in accelerator technology. Since Accelerator Driven Subcritical Reactors (ADSRs) have become the subject of increasing interest, accelerator reliability and modes of operation have become important matters that require further research and development in order to accommodate the engineering and economic needs of ADSRs. This paper focuses on neutronic and thermo-mechanical analyses of accelerator-induced transients in an ADSR. Such transients fall into three main categories: beam interruptions (trips), pulsed-beam operation, and beam overpower. The concept of a multiple-target ADSR is shown to increase system reliability and to mitigate the negative effects of beam interruptions, such as thermal cyclic fatigue in the fuel cladding and the huge financial cost of total power loss. This work also demonstrates the effectiveness of the temperature-to-reactivity feedback mechanisms in ADSRs. A comparison of shutdown mechanisms using control rods and beam cut-off highlights the intrinsic safety features of ADSRs. It is evident that the presence of control rods is crucial in an industrial-scale ADSR. This paper also proposes a method to monitor core reactivity online using the repetitive pattern of beam current fluctuations in a pulsed-beam operation mode. Results were produced using PTS-ADS, a computer code developed specifically to study the dynamic neutronic and thermal responses to beam transients in subcritical reactor systems. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Fabrication of excitonic luminescent inorganic-organic hybrid nano- and microcrystals

Inorganic-organic (IO) hybrid nano- and microcrystals are fabricated by a low-cost, environmentally friendly and easily scaled-up route. Lead(II) iodide (PbI 2) nano/microcrystals are obtained by solvothermal techniques and subsequent IO hybrid (C 12H 25NH 3) 2PbI 4 crystals are produced by intercalation of the organic moiety. The hexagonally shaped crystals obtained range in size from 20 nm to ∼7 μm. Sequential stacking of inorganic/organic layers in these IO hybrid crystals results in strong room-temperature exciton photoluminescence, wherein the excitons are confined within the inorganic sheets. © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

π-Conjugated molecules with fused rings for organic field-effect transistors: design, synthesis and applications

π-Conjugated molecular materials with fused rings are the focus of considerable interest in the emerging area of organic electronics, since the combination of excellent charge carrier mobility and high stability may lead to their practical applications. This tutorial review discusses the synthesis, properties and applications of π-conjugated organic semiconducting materials, especially those with fused rings. The achievements to date, the remaining problems and challenges, and the key research that needs to be done in the near future are all discussed.