The OPAL Project & Opportunities in Nuclear Science and Technology

Ian O Smith

Timeline for OPAL Development

• 1997In-principle approval for multipurpose reactor

• 1997-98Parliamentary processes and EIS approval

• 1998-2000Tendering and tender evaluation

• July 2000Contract awarded to INVAP SE

Timeline Continued

• April 2002ARPANSA issues construction licence

• September 2005Final submission for Operating licence

• July 14 2006ARPANSA grants operating licence

• August 12 2006First criticality

Purpose of OPAL

• Maintenance of nuclear technical expertise

• Nuclear medicine support

• Neutron Beam Research Facility

• Research and Training

• Irradiation facility for NAA & TDSi

Neutron Beam Instruments

High Resolution Powder Diffraction Echidna

High Intensity Powder Diffraction Wombat

Residual Stress Diffractometer

Kowari

Small Angle Neutron Scattering Quokka

Reflectometer Platypus

Triple Axis Spectrometer Taipan

Quasi-Laue Diffractometer

Koala

PA-TOF Spectrometer

Taiwan Triple Axis Spectrometer

Indicative Demand

Some Examples of Neutron Beam Research Projects

ILL Grenoble France

NIST Washington USA

Cartoon of Typical Cell Membrane

Membrane Proteins

Biomimetic surfaces used for sensing and drug screening

Obesity Research at ILL

HIV Virus Research at ILL

Thermally Tolerant Proteins at ILL

Muscle Control Research at ILL

Structural Studies of Cellulose at ILL

Hydrogen Storage Research at NIST

This computer model shows how titanium atoms (dark blue) can

attach above the centres of single-walled carbon nanotubes

(light blue). Quantum calculations and modelling by a NIST

researcher and his colleague reveal that each titanium atom can bond with four hydrogen

molecules (red), a finding that could lead to efficient fuel cells

for future automobiles. Image Credit: T. Yildirim/NIST

Residual Stress Analysis Determinations at NIST

I hope you enjoy your visit to ANSTO at Lucas Heights on

Friday

Thank You