Extending the Life of Nuclear Reactors

Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Professor Gary Was discusses the challenge of simulating radiation in a nuclear reactor in order to test and improve materials for light water reactors. The University of Michigan is receiving a third ion accelerator in 2013, with the goal of becoming a national user facility where advanced-reactor concepts can be fully explored. In this video, Was explains the need to extend the life of light-water reactors past their license in order to keep nuclear power operational in the United States. According to Was, who is also the Walter J. Weber Professor of Sustainable Energy, Environmental and Earth Systems Engineering, nuclear power is important because it accounts for most of the carbon-free energy in the US.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Professor Was studies radiation materials science, ion beam modification and analysis of materials. He has served as the director of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, chair for the Review Board for Materials Capability at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and chair of the department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan.