This document gives an overview of the proposed MSc study. The main goal of the study is to model the cases listed in the code benchmark study of the International Atomic Energy Agency CRP–6 fuel performance study (Verfondern & Lee, 2005). The platform that will be employed is the GETTER code (Keshaw & van der Merwe, 2006). GETTER was used at PBMR for the release calculations of metallic and some non–metallic long–lived fission products. GETTER calculates the transport of fission products from their point of fission to release from the fuel surface taking into account gas precursors and activation products. Results show that for certain experiments the codes correspond very well with the experimental data whilst in others there are orders of magnitude differences. It can be seen that very similar behaviour is observed in all codes. Improvements are needed in updating the strontium diffusion coefficient and in understanding, on a deeper level, the transport of silver in TRISO particles and how it deviates from simple diffusion models. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This document gives an overview of the proposed MSc study. The main goal of the study is to model the cases listed in the code benchmark study of the International Atomic Energy Agency CRP–6 fuel performance study (Verfondern & Lee, 2005). The platform that will be employed is the GETTER code (Keshaw & van der Merwe, 2006). GETTER was used at PBMR for the release calculations of metallic and some non–metallic long–lived fission products. GETTER calculates the transport of fission products from their point of fission to release from the fuel surface taking into account gas precursors and activation products. Results show that for certain experiments the codes correspond very well with the experimental data whilst in others there are orders of magnitude differences. It can be seen that very similar behaviour is observed in all codes. Improvements are needed in updating the strontium diffusion coefficient and in understanding, on a deeper level, the transport of silver in TRISO particles and how it deviates from simple diffusion models. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (South Asia))--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2008. / Thesis Advisor(s): Knopf, Jeffrey W. ; Lavoy, Peter R. "March 2008." Description based on title screen as viewed on May 16, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-103). Also available in print.

Conversion, the process by which natural uranium ore (yellowcake) is purified and converted through a series of chemical processes into uranium hexafluoride gas (UF6), has historically been excluded from the nuclear safeguards requirements of the 235U-based nuclear fuel cycle. With each step in the conversion process from yellowcake to feedstock for UF6, intermediary uranium oxide and uranium fluoride compounds become progressively attractive products for diversion toward activities noncompliant with international treaties. The diversion of this product material could potentially provide feedstock for a clandestine or undeclared enrichment for weapons development for state or non-state entities. With the realization of this potential, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has only recently reinterpreted its policies to emphasize safeguarding this feedstock in response to such diversion pathways. This project employs a combination of simulation models and experimental measurements to develop and validate concepts of nondestructive assay monitoring systems in a natural uranium conversion plant (NUCP). In particular, uranyl nitrate (UN) solution exiting solvent extraction was identified as a key measurement point (KMP), where gamma-ray spectroscopy was selected as the process-monitoring tool. The Uranyl Nitrate Calibration Loop Equipment (UNCLE) facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was employed to simulate the full-scale operating conditions of a purified uranium-bearing aqueous stream exiting the solvent extraction process in an NUCP. This work investigates gamma-ray signatures UN circulating in the UNCLE facility and evaluates various gamma-ray detector (HPGe, LaBr3 and NaI) sensitivities to UN.

[pt] A pesquisa tem por foco a análise da atuação da Agência Internacional de Energia Atômica (AIEA) no que se refere ao programa nuclear iraniano. Para tal, utilizamos a teorização de Edward Said em O orientalismo (1978), como modo de argumentarmos a existência de representações de alteridade sobre o Irã, que constroem este Estado como uma ameaça à estabilidade e à paz internacionais. Selecionamos para este trabalho os discursos de Estados Unidos, Israel e Arábia Saudita, por considerarmos estes os Estados mais interessados em manter o Irã afastado da tecnologia nuclear. Estes Estados constroem discursivamente representações de alteridade e risco sobre o Irã, como forma de argumentar que os demais Estados e a AIEA devem se mobilizar para evitar que o Estado xiita adquira a tecnologia nuclear. Nossa pesquisa tem como foco a análise do tratamento do contencioso iraniano na AIEA, de modo a identificarmos se os discursos de alteridade relativos ao Irã alteram o comportamento da agência. Para tal, testaremos se o secretariado da AIEA cumpre as normas estabelecidas no regime internacional de não-proliferação nuclear, mantendo-se na esfera técnica, ou se os discursos de alteridade construídos pelos Estados selecionados modificam seu comportamento, tornando suas decisões mais rígidas com relação ao Irã. / [en] This dissertation analyses the role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the Iranian nuclear program. As theoretical grounds, we shall employ Edward Said`s framework presented in Orientalism (1978) so as to debate the existence of alterity representations regarding Iran which depict this state as a menace to international peace and stability. For this research, we have selected speeches by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, for we consider these the states most interested in keeping Iran away from nuclear technology. Through discourse, these states build representations of alterity and threat concerning Iran, as a means to argue that all other states along with the IAEA must mobilize so as to prevent the Shiite state from acquiring nuclear technology. This research shall assess how Iran`s litigious was dealt with by the IAEA with a view to identifying if the alterity discourses regarding Iran have altered the agency`s behavior. Thus, we shall investigate if the IAEA secretariat abides by the norms established by the nuclear non-proliferation international regime, limiting itself to the technical sphere, or if the alterity discourses built by the selected states modify its behavior, rendering its decisions towards Iran more stringent.

Using the IAEA as a case for focused study, this thesis argues that the construction and reconstruction of the Secretariat’s legitimacy has been dependant upon several different legitimating influences at different stages in the IAEA’s evolution. In brief, it will be demonstrated that early on, in the absence of clear non-proliferation norms, power wielded by critical and self-interested actors functioned as the primary legitimator – promoting early development and insulating the organization from outside pressures. However, based upon this particular case, I will also argue that state power alone is insufficient to guarantee legitimacy and the exercise of international public authority, especially in light of the degree to which these institutions are increasingly expected to challenge the territorial sovereignty of member states. In order for an organization to acquire adequate legitimacy to exercise public authority over the long term, it must develop beyond the point at which state power is instrumental, and assume a degree of organizational autonomy. This happened with the evolution of organizational expertise recognizing the IAEA’s bureaucracy as an authority, development of specific nonproliferation rules and norms that placed the IAEA in authority, and “right” processes within the bureaucracy that reinforced these and other substantive norms, positioning the Secretariat as a trusted agent within international society. Thus, the development of a professional identity, successful norms and rules, and the elaboration of a “right” process were key to the creation of legitimacy, and as a consequence, the Secretariat’s exercise of public authority in support of the safeguards regime.

[pt] O campo da tecnologia nuclear tem sido predominantemente dominado por homens, resultando na omissão ou exclusão das contribuições das mulheres e sua participação integral nas atividades relacionadas. Apenas após a Guerra Fria (1947- 1991), o gênero ganhou relevância como categoria de análise nas Relações Internacionais, o que levou a considerações sobre inclusão e participação de mulheres nas políticas internacionais. Nesse contexto, a transversalização de gênero das Nações Unidas tornou-se estratégia globalmente reconhecida na promoção da igualdade de gênero. Esta dissertação discute criticamente a elaboração e a implementação dessas estratégias no âmbito da Agência Internacional de Energia Atômica (AIEA), entre 2009 e 2023. Interroga-se como a AIEA implementa a transversalização de gênero como estratégia de transformação político-institucional no setor nuclear. Diante desse questionamento, partir-se-á do seguinte argumento: é possível verificar que a AIEA tem implementado gradativamente as políticas de transversalização de gênero, especialmente quanto ao investimento na construção de capacidades, seja por medidas voltadas para o treinamento e capacitação de funcionárias ou investimento em novas gerações de mulheres por meio de programas educacionais. Para responder a essas indagações, inicialmente foram analisados relatórios da AIEA entre 1958 e 2021. A análise também se baseia em pesquisas acadêmicas, interações e conversas online com funcionários de diversos níveis hierárquicos da organização. A conjunção de tais análises permite concluir que a AIEA norteou a política institucional para a educação, com a promoção de bolsas de mestrado para mulheres, como meio de acesso à igualdade de gênero, em longo prazo. / [en] The field of nuclear technology has been predominantly dominated by men, resulting in the omission or exclusion of women s contributions and their full participation in related activities. Only after the Cold War (1947–1991) did gender gain relevance as a category of analysis in international relations, which led to considerations about the inclusion and participation of women in international politics. In this context, the United Nations gender mainstreaming has become a globally recognized strategy for promoting gender equality. This dissertation critically discusses the elaboration and implementation of these strategies within the scope of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) between 2009 and 2023. It questions how the IAEA implements gender mainstreaming as a political-institutional transformation strategy in the nuclear sector. Faced with this question, we will start with the following argument: it is possible to verify that the IAEA has gradually implemented gender mainstreaming policies, especially regarding investment in capacity building, whether through measures aimed at training and qualifying female employees or investment in new generations of women through educational programs. To answer these questions, IAEA reports between 1958 and 2021were initially analyzed. The analysis is also based on academic research, interactions, and online conversations with employees from different hierarchical levels of the organization. The combination of such analyses allows us to conclude that the IAEA guided the institutional policy for education with the promotion of master s scholarships for women as a means of accessing gender equality in the long term.

No description available.

Tous les États sans discrimination ont un droit inaliénable de développer les utilisations de l'énergie nucléaire à des fins civiles, à condition de ne pas détourner ces utilisations pacifiques vers des armes nucléaires. Cependant, il est accordé à cinq pays le droit de posséder ces armes, à savoir les États-Unis, la France, la Russie, la Chine et le Royaume-Uni. Autour de cette position, un vif débat à la fois juridique et éthique a été soulevé. En effet, pour ses opposants, le nucléaire représente un risque durable et non maîtrisable par la science. Les accidents nucléaires majeurs, les déchets radioactifs et le détournement du nucléaire à des fins militaires sont des risques ingérables et d‟une gravité exceptionnelle. En revanche, les défenseurs de cette énergie la présentent comme sûre, voire partie prenante du développement durable. Selon eux, le nucléaire est un moyen fiable de lutter contre le réchauffement climatique et aussi une solution à la pénurie énergétique à laquelle le monde est confronté. En examinant et analysant la fiabilité et la crédibilité de tous les arguments allant à l‟encontre et en faveur de cette industrie, on constate que la licéité et la légitimité du recours à l'énergie nucléaire sont mal fondées. Par conséquent, nous estimons qu‟il est nécessaire de dépasser le nucléaire par la conclusion d'une convention internationale posant l'interdiction progressive mais complète du nucléaire. / All states without discrimination have an inalienable right to develop the uses of nuclear energy for civilian purposes, provided they do not divert these peaceful uses to nuclear weapons. However, five states have been granted the right to possess these weapons, that is : United-States, France, Russia, China and United-Kingdom. Around this position a fierce debate, both legal and ethical, has been raised. Indeed for its opponents nuclear represents a persistent risk that is non controllable by science. Major nuclear accidents, radioactive wastes and the use of nuclear for military purposes are unmanageable risks of exceptionnal serious gravity. On the other hand, the proponents of this energy present it as safe, even as part of sustainable development. According to them, nuclear is a reliable means to fight global warming and is also a solution to the energy shortage the world is facing. When analyzing the reliability and the credibility of all arguments for and against this industry, it can be noticed that the lawfulness and legitimacy of the use of nuclear energy are ill-founded. Therefore, we believe there is a need to go beyond nuclear with the conclusion of an international convention dealing with the progressive but comprehensive nuclear ban.