Award Date

1-1-2004

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member

Georg F. Mauer

Number of Pages

108

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Dimensional; Fabrication; Fuel; Manufacturing; Modeling; Processes; Simulation; Three; Transmuter

Controlled Subject

Mechanical engineering; Force and energy

File Format

pdf

File Size

5775.36 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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