The OPAL Project Opportunities in Nuclear Science and

The OPAL Project & Opportunities in Nuclear Science and Technology Ian O Smith

Timeline for OPAL Development • 1997 ØIn-principle approval for multipurpose reactor • 1997 -98 ØParliamentary processes and EIS approval • 1998 -2000 ØTendering and tender evaluation • July 2000 ØContract awarded to INVAP SE

Timeline Continued • April 2002 ØARPANSA issues construction licence • September 2005 ØFinal submission for Operating licence • July 14 2006 ØARPANSA grants operating licence • August 12 2006 ØFirst 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 Quasi-Laue Diffractometer Koala High Intensity Powder Diffraction Wombat Residual Stress Diffractometer Kowari PA-TOF Spectrometer Small Angle Neutron Scattering Quokka Reflectometer Platypus Taiwan Triple Axis Spectrometer Taipan

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