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Materials Research in Nuclear Waste Management: Reflections on Twenty-Five MRS Symposia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

Rodney C. Ewing*
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Engineering &Radiological Sciences University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104, U.S.A.
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Abstract

The MRS symposium, “Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management” was first held in Boston, November 28th to December 1st, 1978. This symposium marks the twenty-fifth in a series that now rotate to meeting sites around the world. During the past 24 years, there has been considerable progress in the development and understanding of the behavior of materials that are used in the processing, transport, containment and disposal of radioactive waste. The design and selection of materials for long-term performance has required a uniquely interdisciplinary effort. Over the same period, there have been important developments in the regulatory framework that guides the scientific and engineering needs of nuclear waste management. This paper provides a subjective commentary on the major developments and innovations during the past 25 symposia. The future challenge will be the proper and constructive integration of the science into the development of nuclear waste disposal strategies.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2002

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