Special Section: Selected Papers from the 2014 ASME IMECE in Montreal

Abstract

Nuclear energy is faced with major challenges ranging from publicperception and acceptance to nonproliferation and continued operationand enhanced safety of existing fleet with lessons learned from recentFukushima Daiichi accidents. The industry itself recognizes the ultimateimportance of ensuring overall safety,where research and development play an important role in supporting safe operation of nuclear powerplants. Understanding the mechanisms and underlying physics and developingmeasures to prevent and/or mitigate decay of plant performances arestill challenging tasks for utilities and technical support organizations.Having in mind the global nature of these nuclear technology issues,it is imperative that professional forums, such as international journalsand technical professional meetings, provide a global communicationchannel to foster the exchange of ideas and critical information andto enhance cross fertilization of research and development activitiesthrough our professional community.