Three-dimensional modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes for transmuter fuel fabrication

A proposed method of converting long-lived radionuclides contained within spent nuclear fuel into shorter-lived radionuclides is known as transmutation. The feasibility assessment of fuel manufacturing for transmutation is necessary for the overall success of the transmutation project. As part of that assessment, this paper reviews current methodologies for handling spent nuclear fuel and other highly radioactive material. While not exhaustive, the review encompassed facilities within the U.S. Department of Energy, international operations, as well as, work performed collegiately; The manufacturing of fuel for transmutation will certainly utilize automation and robotics. A simplified 3-D model of a fuel handling operation was produced. Forward and inverse kinematic routines were implemented for a commercially available robotic manipulator, as well as path planning routines. Multiple software packages were integrated and used to create 3-D robotic manipulator models and simulate the model; A timing study was performed which validated the need for process optimization throughout the design process.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

2004

Author dc:creator

• Silva, Richard Arthur

Contributors dc:contributor

• Georg F. Mauer

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/1638

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-2637