Fueling research in nuclear thermal propulsion
Master's student Taylor Hampson is modeling the behavior of an unconventional rocket engine that will heat propellant using nuclear energy.
Nuno Loureiro, professor and director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, dies at 47
In his 10 years at MIT, Loureiro helped illuminate the physics occurring at the center of fusion vacuum chambers and at the edges of the universe.
Working to eliminate barriers to adopting nuclear energy
Nuclear waste continues to be a bottleneck in the widespread use of nuclear energy, so doctoral student Dauren Sarsenbayev is developing models to address the problem.
What should countries do with their nuclear waste?
A new study by MIT researchers analyzes different nuclear waste management strategies, with a focus on the radionuclide iodine-129.
Using classic physical phenomena to solve new problems
Marco Graffiedi, a doctoral student in nuclear science and engineering, is researching quenching processes to help cool nuclear cores, and NASA craft the next generation of space vehicles.
MIT Maritime Consortium releases “Nuclear Ship Safety Handbook”
First-of-its-kind handbook serves as a guide for design safety for civilian nuclear ships.
New prediction model could improve the reliability of fusion power plants
The approach combines physics and machine learning to avoid damaging disruptions when powering down tokamak fusion machines.
Palladium filters could enable cheaper, more efficient generation of hydrogen fuel
The novel design allows the membranes to withstand high temperatures when separating hydrogen from gas mixtures.
MIT’s work with Idaho National Laboratory advances America’s nuclear industry
The collaboration has led to new fuels and a variety of other projects to enable clean, safe nuclear energy.
Working to make fusion a viable energy source
As the Norman C. Rasmussen Adjunct Professor, George Tynan is looking forward to addressing the big physics and engineering challenges of fusion plasmas.
New method could monitor corrosion and cracking in a nuclear reactor
By directly imaging material failure in 3D, this real-time technique could help scientists improve reactor safety and longevity.
Study sheds light on graphite’s lifespan in nuclear reactors
Scientists have discovered a link between the material’s pore size distribution and its ability to withstand radiation.
Surprisingly diverse innovations led to dramatically cheaper solar panels
New research can identify opportunities to drive down the cost of renewable energy systems, batteries, and many other technologies.
Model predicts long-term effects of nuclear waste on underground disposal systems
The simulations matched results from an underground lab experiment in Switzerland, suggesting modeling could be used to validate the safety of nuclear disposal sites.
New facility to accelerate materials solutions for fusion energy
MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center to establish the Schmidt Laboratory for Materials in Nuclear Technologies.