Students and faculty in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory at Abilene Christian University recently published their first peer-reviewed journal article, “A molten salt test loop for component and instrumentation testing,” in the Annals of Nuclear Energy. Highlights of the article include: Development of a forced-flow system for testing molten salt reactor technologies. A molten … Continued
Five students who are a part of the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory at Abilene Christian University were awarded scholarships from the U.S. Department of Energy’s University Nuclear Leadership Program. Although ACU students have been awarded these scholarships in past years, this is the most scholarships ACU has received in a single cycle. Samuel Ash, … Continued
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has docketed Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab construction permit application, placing it under formal regulatory review. The application is the first for a new research reactor in more than 30 years and the first-ever for an advanced university research reactor. “This is a significant achievement, and I … Continued
Abilene Christian University’s chemistry and biochemistry programs received a research grant from the Welch Foundation this year, marking more than 60 years of funding. This round is their highest award yet at $150,000 over the next three years. The Welch Foundation supports chemistry research in Texas, and members of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry … Continued
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) announced a grant of $292,770 to be used for infrastructure at ACU’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab, the second consecutive year for ACU to receive the grant. The funding will expand the radioactive materials characterization capability in the NEXT Lab. Specifically, it provides the instrumentation … Continued
In yet another significant step toward the goal of building a molten salt research reactor, Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab submitted an application for a construction permit with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Monday. The application is the first for a new research reactor in more than 30 years and the … Continued
Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory has contracted Teledyne Brown Engineering to perform front-end engineering and design work to produce the first university-based molten salt research reactor (MSRR). “We received interest in working on this first-of-a-kind project from over a dozen top engineering companies,” said Dr. Rusty Towell, director of NEXT Lab and … Continued
At its July meeting, the Abilene City Council approved a $2.93 million incentive package that enables the Development Corporation of Abilene to enter into an agreement with Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab to expand its research and development facility at the former Taylor Elementary School site. “This project is an incredible opportunity … Continued
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) announced a grant of $367,793 to be used for infrastructure at ACU’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab. The funding will support the radiochemistry aspect of NEXT Lab – specifically, establishing new and unique real-time direct chemical analysis capabilities for molten salt systems. For 2021, NEUP … Continued