Advanced Manufacturing of Nuclear Materials

The field of nuclear energy has long been a cornerstone of our efforts to produce clean and efficient power. To enhance the safety, sustainability, and performance of nuclear reactors, there is a growing need for advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, has emerged as a promising technology with the potential to revolutionize the processing of nuclear materials. There are four major opportunities for additive manufacturing in nuclear energy, offering a roadmap to address key challenges and opportunities in this critical sector.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to investigate the utilization of advanced manufacturing techniques for nuclear materials, aligning with the opportunities previously identified.

Specific objectives of the Topic include:
• Materials Development: Explore novel materials and alloys with improved radiation resistance, corrosion resistance, and thermal properties for use in nuclear reactors.
• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Investigate and optimize 3D printing methods to fabricate complex nuclear components with precision, ensuring structural integrity and performance.
• Safety Enhancement: Develop strategies for enhanced safety and reliability in nuclear systems by leveraging the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing, such as rapid prototyping and customization.
• Cost Reduction: Identify ways to reduce the cost of manufacturing and maintenance of nuclear facilities through efficient additive manufacturing processes.

This Research Topic will encompass a comprehensive investigation into the application of advanced manufacturing in nuclear energy, guided by the four major opportunities previously shared:
• Materials Research: Extensive study of advanced materials suitable for nuclear environments.
• Manufacturing Techniques: Development and optimization of 3D printing methods.
• Safety Measures: Implementation of safety protocols and measures specific to advanced manufacturing in nuclear contexts.
• Cost Analysis: Evaluation of cost savings and economic benefits of advanced manufacturing in nuclear energy.

By addressing these challenges and opportunities, this Research Topic aims to contribute to the advancement of nuclear energy technology, ensuring its sustainability and safety for the future.

Experimental work, simulations, and analytical studies are welcome.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, nuclear materials, nuclear engineering, 3D printing, safety enhancement, cost reduction

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.