2023年11月13-15日に、原子力国際専攻岡本研究室　Ahmed Zeeshanさん （博士研究員） が「Saudi International Conference on Nuclear Power Engineering (SCOPE)」において「Best Paper Award」を受賞されました。

〈Name of award and short explanation about the award〉

“Best Paper Award”

The award was conferred upon researchers during the Saudi International Conference on Nuclear Power Engineering (SCOPE), which took place at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Saudi Arabia from November 13 to 15, 2023. This accolade recognizes the exceptional quality and excellence of the papers submitted to the conference, highlighting the outstanding contributions made by the researchers in the field of nuclear power engineering.

〈About awarded research〉

The primary aim of this study was to address a critical challenge in the development of Generation IV Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) related to Core Disruptive Accidents (CDAs). Specifically, the research focused on the eutectic reaction between boron carbide (B4C) and Stainless Steel (SS), which can lead to boron migration and the formation of a molten pool within the reactor core, posing safety risks. The study employed a novel quantitative and high-resolution visualization method using radiative heating to observe the eutectic behavior and melt structure during boron migration. Experiments were conducted with B₄C pellets and powder within SS tubes, replicating control rod designs, in a temperature range of 1150 °C to 1372 °C. The work successfully identified distinct mechanisms in the eutectic reaction, such as SS peeling off B₄C and B₄C pellet fragmentation. The significance lies in providing unique insights into long-duration melting and relocation behaviors not previously studied. The findings contribute to a better understanding of eutectic reactions, aiding in the safety assessment of CDAs in SFRs. Moving forward, further investigations into atomic mass percentages, crystal structures, and the application of the dataset for refining severe accident models will enhance the study’s utility in advancing the efficiency and safety of sodium-cooled fast reactors.

〈Your impression & future plan〉

I am truly honored and delighted to receive this award, particularly given the strong competition among outstanding researchers from around the globe. My sincere appreciation goes to Prof. Marco, Prof. Okamoto, and Mr. Yamano Hidemasa, with whom I’ve had the privilege of working on this research. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Sharma for his invaluable assistance in the execution of experiments. I also express my gratitude to Prof. Miwa for his moral support and the other members of the Visualization Laboratory for their insightful suggestions during our meetings. I am delighted to have the opportunity to showcase this work alongside distinguished pioneers and experts in my field at SCOPE. The warm hospitality and outstanding organization by SCOPE organizers have created an environment that will undoubtedly leave me with unforgettable memories. It is a privilege to share insights and engage with fellow professionals in such a well-organized and welcoming platform. Moving forward, the study aims to provide a critical dataset for enhancing both qualitative and quantitative aspects of existing models and theories in severe accident scenarios.