New and upcoming ideas in nuclear engineering?

[CherryTrooper]

For example, what potential do interactions like pair production have in harnessing the idea of converting photons to mass have in the future of nuclear engineering? Or what about quantum tunneling as the basis of fusion/fission? is it getting cold in here, yet?

What are the new ideas out there? Or is nuke a stagnant art?

 

[etudiant]

New ideas in engineering have to justify their acceptance. They should ideally be cheaper to implement, as well as safer and more efficient than existing practice, but often just one big improvement is enough justification.
Please help us see the advantage(s) provided by the approaches you mention.

 

[Astronuc]

For example, what potential do interactions like pair production have in harnessing the idea of converting photons to mass have in the future of nuclear engineering? Or what about quantum tunneling as the basis of fusion/fission? is it getting cold in here, yet?

I don't see the practicality or utility of creating e^-e⁺ pairs in large quantities. Other than high energy collisions, it takes ~1.022 MeV gamma rays to produce 1 pair, and then eventually the positron annihilates and one gets two 0.511 MeV gammas. One could produce positron emitters, but there appears no reasonable utility as an energy.

What are the new ideas out there? Or is nuke a stagnant art?

There are plenty of challenges in materials - high strength at temperature, maximal fracture toughness, corrosion resistance, fission product retention, . . . .

For fission systems, fission product disposition is a critical area.

GenIV systems are challenging.

Fusion still has to be perfected as a commercially viable energy source. Plasma stability is a challenge.

Finding a highly efficient thermal to electrical conversion system is a challenge.

 

[Thermalne]

For example, what potential do interactions like pair production have in harnessing the idea of converting photons to mass have in the future of nuclear engineering? Or what about quantum tunneling as the basis of fusion/fission? is it getting cold in here, yet?

What are the new ideas out there? Or is nuke a stagnant art?

There are always new ideas to be explored in nuclear engineering. The biggest area of opportunity is in developing reactors like the High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) and the various types of molten salt (or liquid metal) reactors including both thermal and fast spectra. I believe you are looking for more physics problems to solve where as most current problems (in nuclear) are in the realm of material science, reactor physics, and fluids.

 

[alphy]

As a scientist in the field of nuclear engineering, I can assure you that there are constantly new and exciting ideas emerging in our field. The potential of interactions like pair production and converting photons to mass is a topic of great interest and research in nuclear engineering. This concept, known as photonuclear reactions, has the potential to greatly enhance the efficiency and safety of nuclear reactors.

Another promising idea is the use of quantum tunneling as the basis of fusion/fission reactions. This phenomenon, where particles can pass through potential barriers, has the potential to greatly increase the efficiency of nuclear reactions and reduce the amount of radioactive waste produced.

In terms of the overall progression of nuclear engineering, I would not say it is a stagnant art. On the contrary, there are constant advancements being made in areas such as reactor design, fuel technology, and waste management. These advancements are driven by the need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, as well as the constant push for increased safety and efficiency.

In summary, there are many new and upcoming ideas in nuclear engineering that hold great potential for the future. As scientists in this field, it is our responsibility to continue exploring and developing these ideas to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for nuclear energy. So, no, it is not getting cold in here – the future of nuclear engineering is looking very promising.