Over time radiation causes damage to the structure of nuclear reactors
Fission reactions also produce intense radiation that causes a deterioration in the nuclear reactor‘s structural materials.
At the atomic level, when energetic radiation infiltrates these materials, it can either knock off atoms from their locations, causing point defects, or force atoms to take vacant spots, forming interstitial defects. Both these imperfections disrupt the regular arrangement of atoms within the metal crystal structure.
And then, what starts as tiny imperfections grow to form voids and dislocation loops, compromising the material’s mechanical properties over time.
How prolonged radiation exposure damages nuclear reactors, Phys org, 7 Nov 21, by Vandana Suresh, Texas A&M University. New research from Texas A&M University scientists …By using a combination of physics-based modeling and advanced simulations, they found the key underlying factors that cause radiation damage to nuclear reactors,…..
“Reactors need to run at either higher power or use fuels longer to increase their performance. But then, at these settings, the risk of wear and tear also increases,” said Dr. Karim Ahmed, assistant professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering. “So, there is a pressing need to come up with better reactor designs, and a way to achieve this goal is by optimizing the materials used to build the nuclear reactors.”
…………… fission reactions also produce intense radiation that causes a deterioration in the nuclear reactor‘s structural materials. At the atomic level, when energetic radiation infiltrates these materials, it can either knock off atoms from their locations, causing point defects, or force atoms to take vacant spots, forming interstitial defects. Both these imperfections disrupt the regular arrangement of atoms within the metal crystal structure. And then, what starts as tiny imperfections grow to form voids and dislocation loops, compromising the material’s mechanical properties over time.
While there is some understanding of the type of defects that occur in these materials upon radiation exposure, Ahmed said it has been arduous to model how radiation, along with other factors, such as the temperature of the reactor and the microstructure of the material, together contribute to the formation defects and their growth.
“The challenge is the computational cost,” he said. “In the past, simulations have been limited to specific materials and for regions spanning a few microns across, but if the domain size is increased to even 10s of microns, the computational load drastically jumps.”
In particular, the researchers said to accommodate larger domain sizes, previous studies have compromised on the number of parameters within the simulation’s differential equations. However, an undesirable consequence of ignoring some parameters over others is an inaccurate description of the radiation damage…….. https://phys.org/news/2021-11-prolonged-exposure-nuclear-reactors.html
The Children Who Suffered When a U.S. Nuclear Test Went Wrong
The Children Who SufferedWhen a U.S. Nuclear Test Went Wrong https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-children-who-suffered-when-a-us-nuclear-test-went-wrong
YEARS OF SUFFERING
In 1954 the U.S. executed its largest nuclear detonation. The people of the Marshall Islands would endure the effects of fallout for years.Walter Pincus Nov. 07, 2021. During the 1954 Castle Bravo test over Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, America executed its largest nuclear detonation, a thousand times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Nuclear fallout rained down on inhabitants of atolls more than 100 miles away, including Rongelap.
What follows is an excerpt of Blown to Hell: America’s Deadly Betrayal of the Marshall Islanders, where Dr. Robert A. Conard, a former Navy doctor who was among those who first examined the Marshall Island natives after Bravo, discovers a new impact of the radioactive fallout on children. Beginning in 1956, as an employee of the Atomic Energy Commission’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, Conard led annual medical examinations of the Rongelapese.
Over the years, Dr. Robert A. Conard and pediatricians he brought with him to Rongelap carefully watched the slow development of several children who had been exposed to the 1954 fallout. In the survey done in March 1963, the doctors’ attention was initially focused on two boys who had been one-year-olds at the time of the fallout.
Both showed early signs of cretinism, a condition of stunted physical and mental growth owing to a deficiency of a thyroid hormone often related to iodine deficiency.
Also of particular interest was the development of a palpable nodule in the thyroid gland of 13-year-old Disi Tima, a fisherman’s daughter, who had been exposed to the Bravo fallout when she was four years old.
Glasgow Brief: Australia climate plan a “brochure”, Obama targets Russia, China and Republicans — RenewEconomy
EU targets Australia again on “brochure” and lack of action, Obama admits to feelings of dystopia, fossil fuel lobby out in force in Glasgow. The post Glasgow Brief: Australia climate plan a “brochure”, Obama targets Russia, China and Republicans appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Glasgow Brief: Australia climate plan a “brochure”, Obama targets Russia, China and Republicans — RenewEconomy
“Transformational:” Australia passes 3 million-mark for rooftop solar systems — RenewEconomy
More than 3 million rooftop solar systems have been installed by Australian households. Can the rest of the electricity grid – and the federal government – keep up? The post “Transformational:” Australia passes 3 million-mark for rooftop solar systems appeared first on RenewEconomy.
“Transformational:” Australia passes 3 million-mark for rooftop solar systems — RenewEconomy
November 8 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “Did You Turn Off The Gas?” • Carbon Tracker’s key findings should have investors in gas taking note. They found that 22% of European and around 31% of US gas-fired power generation capacity included in their model is unprofitable. And countries dependent on gas have found the volatile prices of 2021 damage their […]
November 8 Energy News — geoharvey
Why putting rooftop solar on low-income rooftops is an “economic no-brainer” — RenewEconomy
Should rooftop PV subsidies be redirected to low-income households only? New study shows why supporting hardship customers with solar could be a better deal. The post Why putting rooftop solar on low-income rooftops is an “economic no-brainer” appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Why putting rooftop solar on low-income rooftops is an “economic no-brainer” — RenewEconomy
Wind and solar can supply most of world’s energy needs, most of the time, says study — RenewEconomy
US-China study finds wind and solar power can meet more than 80% of demand in many countries around the world without “crazy amounts” of storage or excess capacity. The post Wind and solar can supply most of world’s energy needs, most of the time, says study appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Wind and solar can supply most of world’s energy needs, most of the time, says study — RenewEconomy
Taylor leaves Glasgow claiming success, but Australia faces “ratchet” over 2030 failure — RenewEconomy
Countries may apply new pressure on climate laggards to strengthen 2030 emissions targets, putting Australia back in the spotlight at future talks. The post Taylor leaves Glasgow claiming success, but Australia faces “ratchet” over 2030 failure appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Taylor leaves Glasgow claiming success, but Australia faces “ratchet” over 2030 failure — RenewEconomy
Climate news, nuclear news – Australia and more
Realistically, COP26 could never be a great success, because each nation represented there has the top priority of ”winning” – furthering its own interest. Such a summit can never succeed until the prevailing view is for the general good – for the planet and all its peoples.
Also realistically, the world has made extraordinary progress over recent years, in recognising the integral connections between climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. At COP26, some significant steps have been taken. Not a success, perhaps, but not a complete failure, either.
Honest Australian Government Ad | COP26 Climate Summit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIyKmqEdgR4
INTERNATIONAL
CLIMATE Extreme weather events now the new normal – State of the Climate report 2021. Global emissions to surge past pre-Covid, as world fails to grasp ‘green recovery’.
COP26. Progress report on Glasgow climate talks. Positive announcements at COP26 do give some hope. Glasgow will not get close to pledges to halve emissions by 2030 – warming will shoot past 2°C. Prospects of limiting global heating to 1.8C on the basis of commitmentsmade at the Cop26 climate summit are, though good, only “a hypothesis”. Despite all the criticism, the COP climate process has made historic steps forward. Cop26 week one: the impression of progress – but not nearly enough. Nation after nation at Glasgow pledges to abandon use of coal. Rallies in Glasgow and Sydney call for ‘survival of humanity’ in face of climate change .
Few willing to change lifestyle to save the planet, climate survey finds. What the most affected regions need from COP26 — The Earthbound Report The role of efficiency and smart grids in conserving energy. Positive developments: rise in electric cars, ever cheaper renewables, moves towards energy efficiency. Solar and wind keep getting cheaper, and crush coal, gas and nuclear on costs: Lazard.
Entering the Absurdicene as the Anthropocene loses its relevance — Sustainability Bites
Nuclear at COP26. Nuclear power, fossil fuel companies represented at COP26 climate talks. Nuclear industry pushing its spin and doing deals on the sidelines at COP26/ Nuclear workers’ unions want nuclear energy included as clean and sustain able. ‘No One Died From Radiation At Fukushima’: IAEA Boss Statement Met With Laughter At COP26 .
Billionaires Not Morally Qualified to Shape Civilization. The need to stop population growth,and the way to go about this.
USA and UK’s transparent persecution of Australian Julian Assange. Chris Hedges: The Assange case is the most important battle for press freedom in our time.
A supporter of nuclear power has second thoughts. You don’t need nuclear to get to net zero,’ says climate professor Jeffrey Sachs.
Pandora Papers: is the world’s biggest leak the world’s biggest cover-up?
”Deep fakes”: corruption of data has worrying implications for nuclear policy.
Entering the Absurdicene as the Anthropocene loses its relevance — Sustainability Bites
UN ”Code of Conduct” towards preventing arms race in space, but no treaty banning weapons in space.
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AUSTRALIA.
Australia at COP26 – a damaging presence. Australia’s credibility at a low point, with Scott Morrison’s lying and appalling performance at COP26.
Nuclear submarines. Australia’s very awkward nuclear embrace. Lies, lies and nuclear submarines. UK Astute class nuclear submarine visits Perth. Australia’s Foreign Minister off to South East Asian countries to try to soothe their worries about nuclear submarines. China reprimands Australia on AUKUS and submarines that risk nuclear weapons proliferation, and make Australia target. US and UK must stop’: Chinese diplomat warns New Zealand audience of Australia’s nuclear ambitions. Foreign Minister Marise Payne to visit South-East Asia to ease fears over AUKUS, submarine plan. Few realistic options for Defence to fill its submarine ‘capability gap’ before new nuclear fleet. Tony Abbott wants Australia to buy second-hand ”retired” nuclear-powered submarines, for training purposes.
Russian deputy UN envoy supports China’s concern on AUKUS’ nuclear threat.
Australia’s very awkward nuclear embrace
The very awkward nuclear embrace, Jon Faine,
https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-very-awkward-nuclear-embrace-20211105-p5969l.html November 7, 2021 How can Scott Morrison just decide and announce – with no mandate or national debate whatsoever – that Australia is going to embrace nuclear technology?
One of the most impassioned and torrid domestic policy tussles of the last 50 years has suddenly been gazumped – after extensive secret discussions with top Americans and Brits but not a word with Australians. A fleet of Australian Navy nuclear-powered submarines, unimaginable just a few weeks ago, have been declared as integral to our future with barely a murmur.
The transition to and adoption of nuclear technology may well be the right call – my quibble is that we have not even had the courtesy of a national debate about the biggest technology shift in a generation.
Our Prime Minister no more readily engages in discussion about underwater matters than he did with “on water” matters as immigration minister. He has again stopped the boats – stopped the making of boats. The decades of policy paralysis on climate change has been matched by nearly 20 years of flip-flopping on replacing our vintage Collins Class subs.
We have long been a people committed to keeping nuclear technology at arms length. The British military in the 1950s used the Montebello islands off WA and the Pitjantjatjara lands of Maralinga in the South Australian outback to experiment with and test nuclear bombs.
It took a royal commission in 1985 to establish the causal link to an otherwise inexplicable rise in the rate of birth defects and cancers among the service personnel and local Indigenous communities impacted
The British soldiers involved were issued protective gear, but the Aussies were not. The authorities were indifferent – to say the least – to the safety of First Nations people, many of whom suffered terribly. Widespread community outrage followed.
Around the same time as that royal commission, regular huge street protests expressed our collective anger with – yes – France over their years of nuclear explosions at Mururoa Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
When French secret service agents bombed the Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour in 1985 and killed Portuguese volunteer photographer Fernando Pereira, anti-French sentiment across Australia and NZ was palpable.
Sales of Citroens, Peugeots and Renaults suffered – while croissant and Camembert sales barely dipped.
Vigorous discussion has centred on whether PM Morrison ought to be apologising to President Macron. But what about an apology to the Australian people for ignoring our legitimate role in making one of the most significant decisions any government of this country will ever make? It is astonishing that any PM can make such a momentous decision without asking us first.
The ALP has pragmatically supported the new commitment to the AUKUS alliance and its essential ingredient of a commitment to nuclear-powered subs from either the USA or the UK instead of the French alternative.
Anthony Albanese is determined to deny the PM a “khaki election” and consistent with his small-target strategy, has all but ensured that the numbers are there in the Parliament to vote through the legislative changes required to embrace a technology that we have consistently rejected.
We have long embraced laws that prohibit nuclear proliferation. There are many on the left of the ALP who have profound disquiet about “going nuclear” but dare not say anything controversial as a federal poll approaches.
Has the Australian public changed their mind about embracing nuclear technology? The only real test has been in South Australia, which recently abandoned a plan for a lucrative nuclear waste program amid overwhelming opposition.
Germany and Japan are retreating from decades of relying on nuclear power, and post-Fukushima and Chernobyl, nuclear industry boosters have had to accept the commercial reality that their technology is uninsurable and unwelcome.
Defence insiders despair as the original submarine proposal for a German design to be built here for $20 billion morphed to Japanese-designed subs for $40 billion, then French designed but locally assembled subs for $50 billion and now $90 billion for subs that decades from now will be made in the USA or the UK. And this is supposed to be a better outcome?
Naval planners concede that the future use for submarines is as underwater mother-ships for a range of satellite autonomous submersible drones.
What Morrison has announced is no more than an idea for a plan for a proposal for a contract to splurge vast amounts of Australian taxpayer’s money overseas for technology that almost surely will be redundant by the time anything is delivered.
Naval planners concede that the future use for submarines is as underwater mother-ships for a range of satellite autonomous submersible drones.
What Morrison has announced is no more than an idea for a plan for a proposal for a contract to splurge vast amounts of Australian taxpayer’s money overseas for technology that almost surely will be redundant by the time anything is delivered.
Russian deputy UN envoy supports China’s concern on AUKUS’ nuclear threat
Russian deputy UN envoy supports China’s concern on AUKUS’ nuclear threat
By Global Times Russia supported the concerns voiced by China on AUKUS, the new tripartite defense alliance formed with the intention of intimidating China, at a recent meeting of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee, saying that they are legitimate concerns as this kind of cooperation is related to the nuclear field and clearly has a military dimension.
More time and information are needed in order to respond properly to the trilateral nuclear cooperation, Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Andrei Belousov, who represented Russia at recent meetings of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee in New York, was quoted as saying in Russian media reports. …………
He noted that ASEAN countries also expressed serious concerns at the First Committee’s session as they viewed AUKUS as a threat to regional security. In particular, the delegations of Indonesia and Malaysia said that the implementation of the initiative might trigger an arms race in the region.
The trilateral partnership announced in September will allow Australia to build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines using US technology. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused AUKUS of undermining regional stability and hoped the nuclear submarine cooperation will not develop in an unprecedented way and create additional problems in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on October 14 that the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation has created serious nuclear proliferation risks, and clearly violated the spirit of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
He noted that it would not only have a far-reaching impact on the international non-proliferation system, but also bring real threats to regional peace and stability. …….. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202111/1238296.shtml
Lies, lies and nuclear submarines
Lies, lies and nuclear submarines, Green Left, Binoy Kampmark, November 6, 2021
The sundering of the relationship between Australia and France over the new trilateral security relationship between Canberra, Washington and London and, more importantly, the rescinding of the submarine contract with Australia, was playing on President Emmanuel Macron’s mind at the G20 Summit in Rome.Did he think he had been lied to by the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison about the intended scrapping of the Franco-Australian submarine deal with the creation of AUKUS? “I don’t think, I know,” came the definitive answer.
The response from Morrison was one of shameless dissembling. Making sure that Australian audiences and news waves would only pick up select gobbets, he told the media that the French president had attacked Australia. He said he was concerned about “the statements that were made questioning Australia’s integrity and the slurs that have been placed on Australia”. Further, he said, he was “not going to cop sledging at Australia”. A full reading of Macron’s words in the brief encounter suggests that didn’t happen. He respected “sovereign choices” but said it was vital to “respect allies and partners.” It was the conduct of Australia’s government Macron had issues with………………….
Morrison’s mendacity is also pronounced in how he justified pursuing the nuclear submarine option with the United States…………
The Morrison government also used the well worn practice of selective leaking to bolster its quicksand position.
A prodding text from Macron to Morrison, sent two days prior to the AUKUS announcement and the cancellation of the contract, involved a query as to whether good or bad news could be expected about the French submarines.
The insinuation is that Macron had an inkling that something was afoot from the Australian side — hardly counting as being informed. Morrison’s response is not noted. The Elysée has also denied suggestions that Canberra made several warning efforts regarding the AUKUS announcement.
An Elysée official said: “Disclosing a text message exchange between heads of state or government is a pretty crude and unconventional tactic”. It may be crude, but it is an apt summation of the Prime Minister’s view of diplomacy. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/lies-lies-and-nuclear-submarines
AECOM deeply involved in nuclear submarines
Greg Phillips Nuclear Fuel Cycle Watch · 7 Nov 21, I knew AECOM was involved in nuclear, but I didn’t know they were involved in nuclear submarines -“Since 1992, AECOM has served as the Navy’s primary provider of professional support services to the VIRGINIA class submarine program office, including integration and test support at the shipyards where the vessels are built. …””AECOM has supported the Navy’s nuclear submarine force for more than 43 years. We also support LOS ANGELES, SEAWOLF and OHIO class submarines, in addition to VIRGINIA. …” https://aecom.com/future/projects/virginia-class-submarine/?fbclid=IwAR3FZXfLFyH0FjRH0uRJrybdYwVdljvnJ6QhsEexXq3Ve3GkIUl0_rTxyVc
Scott Morrison is hiding behind future technologies, when we should just deploy what already exists — RenewEconomy
Australia doesn’t need to wait for new technology before committing to deep emissions cuts. Most technologies we need already exist – they just need to be deployed at massive scale. The post Scott Morrison is hiding behind future technologies, when we should just deploy what already exists appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Scott Morrison is hiding behind future technologies, when we should just deploy what already exists — RenewEconomy
NSW, ACT and South Australia in cross party push to speed transition to net zero — RenewEconomy
NSW, South Australia and ACT form cross-party state alliance to fast track shift to zero emissions with focus on existing technologies. The post NSW, ACT and South Australia in cross party push to speed transition to net zero appeared first on RenewEconomy.
NSW, ACT and South Australia in cross party push to speed transition to net zero — RenewEconomy
1 This month.
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/235274195556
19 May – Webinar- Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-05-19 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-05-19 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
20 May – Webinar – The dangerous world of AUKUS, US, military occupation and suppression of dissent
National Webinar, 20th May, 2026, 6.30pm AEST. Confronting laws restricting/suppressing protest speech and action
Speakers: Former Sen. Rex Patrick, Lawyer Nick Hanna ,Arthur Rorris ,Jorgen Doyle, Sen David Shoebbridge,
Facilitator Kelley Tranter.
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 