Date of Award

2022

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Dr. Cameron Goodwin

Abstract

Conducting experiments is a vital process for any progression. Nuclear science is a complex subject that still requires immense research. With progression in this field there are many technological advancements that are possible. Our student design team has the unique opportunity to help make this process more efficient for the employees at the RINSC.

In collaboration with the RINSC and General Dynamics Electric Boat, our student capstone team will design and implement a machine to make testing more efficient. As of now the RINSC has a tedious process to test the effects of gamma radiation on samples. The reactor pool has an irradiation tube that extends to the bottom of the tank. Samples spend a variety of time at various depths to measure the effects of gamma radiation. To do this the samples are lowered by hand into the tube via a small aluminum container. The cotton rope is then tied in place and the sample is timed by stop watch. When testing is complete the samples are then pulled out. Our design team plans to automate most of this process and make testing more efficient.

We attached our final design to the rail on the edge of the pool by C-clamp. Our team proposes that our design will allow the ability to test up to three samples at a time. We expect to make this process seamless for anyone conducting experiments. A scroll wheel will help lower and rise the samples to the desirable depth. If certain samples need to be taken out at varying times, clips will link the cups together for easy removal. There will also be a wire that runs along the rope to directly monitor the sample degradation.

This report highlights our completion of the processes for this design. We have conducted extensive research on related patents and the reaction gamma radiation may have on our materials. Our team created a list of concepts that could possibly improve the testing process. We then compared those topics to the design specifications and narrowed down our selection. The final design is a result of this elimination. After having a concrete idea of what we wanted to accomplish the team then put together a purchase order well under budget. Finally having the needed materials we were able to finish the building.

Comments

Team Name: Team 23, Chernobyl II

Sponsor: General Dynamics Electric Boat

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-023-2022

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