Army cadets learn about legacy of nuclear science at ORNL

Ten future U.S. Army officers toured ORNL's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, stopping to pose with the 3D printed utility vehicle. Credit: Nick Prins/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Ten future U.S. Army officers recently visited the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory to learn about the legacy of nuclear science. As students of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Center, or NSERC, with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, or DTRA, they stopped in East Tennessee as part of a larger tour across nuclear facilities supporting the military. In Oak Ridge, they visited ORNL to gain an appreciation of the history of the Manhattan Project and how research at a national lab contributes new materials and electronics for the nuclear industry.

"We are looking to build a stronger pathway between ORNL and DTRA regarding nuclear engineering," said Dianne Ezell, group leader for ORNL's Nuclear and Extreme Environment Measurements group. "Workforce development is extremely important for the longevity of our DOE programs and ORNL's success. Hosting DTRA students aligns with our mission to both educate students about ongoing research as well as create future opportunities as collaborators or employees."

The cadets received an overview of radiation-hardened electronics, advanced reactors and ORNL's high performance computing capabilities. Radiation-hardened electronics are specially designed components that can withstand the damaging effects of radiation, such as that found in space, nuclear environments, or certain industrial settings. These electronics are used in applications where reliability and performance are critical, such as satellites, spacecraft and military systems. They also saw the High Flux Isotope Reactor, or HFIR, a steady-state neutron beam used to study physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering and biology. Cadets also stopped by the X-10 Graphite Reactor, a National Historic Landmark designated in 1965, which showcases the feat of science needed during the Manhattan Project and ORNL's continued innovation in the decades after.

They ended their tour at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility to see the latest in material research for extreme environments.

The cadets appreciated a look into ORNL's capabilities and research in nuclear science.

One cadet remarked, "Our visit to ORNL gave me a better appreciation of how using state of the art, unique facilities like HFIR can be used to further fundamental science, but also be used to develop the future scientists and engineers who will be responsible for ensuring our nuclear deterrence remains safe, effective and reliable."

Another said, "Visiting the X-10 Graphite Reactor showcased the history of special nuclear material and demonstrated our nuclear deterrent is founded on science and engineering.

Maj. Dave Fobar, deputy director of NSERC, says ORNL and DTRA will continue to partner on research and workforce development opportunities. "These future officers will take their experiences forward throughout their military career, increasing the nuclear literacy of the armed forces, and potentially influencing their career decisions to contribute to the nuclear weapons enterprise."

UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science. - Liz Neunsinger

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