Building off strong connections already in place, the Department of Nuclear Engineering is poised for even more growth in its relationship with the Y-12 National Security Complex for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Officials with the University of Tennessee and Consolidated Nuclear Security, which manages and operates the Y-12 National Security Complex for the NNSA, signed an agreement May 30 to collaborate on initiatives that enhance national security.
As part of the collaboration, the partners will develop a National Security Prototype Center (NSPC) in Oak Ridge to solve complex manufacturing problems, combining Y-12’s experience in high-precision classified manufacturing and UT’s expertise in next-generation materials and manufacturing.
Part of the center’s focus will be turning innovative ideas into prototypes that will provide solutions for the nuclear deterrence, national security, and nuclear energy sectors.
“The nuclear engineering department and our students will benefit from this agreement because this will further increase career and internship opportunities for our students,” said NE Department Head Brian Wirth. “Student growth in the department is very strong. At present, we are expecting more than 130 new freshmen in nuclear engineering this coming August.”
The formalization of the partnership between UT and Y-12 has the potential to expand the Y-12 Nuclear Engineering Technology Accelerator Program (NE TAP), with an emphasis on nuclear non-proliferation and global security associated with an expanding worldwide interest in nuclear power. Established in 2023, NE TAP educates and involves UT students in Y-12’s mission for the NNSA, including maintaining the US nuclear stockpile, reducing global nuclear threats, and fueling the US Nuclear Navy.
Growing Industry Ties
East Tennessee has become a vital hub for the nuclear industry. Multiple nuclear power companies have established home bases in the Knoxville area and launched the construction of power and enrichment plants. Earlier this year, the Tickle College of Engineering unveiled a new Operator Training Simulator Laboratory in partnership with Kairos Power.
“East Tennessee is poised to lead the nation and the world when you consider all the exciting things going on in the nuclear landscape,” Wirth said. “This really brings the entirety of the nuclear power lifecycle together in East Tennessee, and nearly all of our students and faculty will benefit from these collaborations.”
The development of the NSPC could help stimulate the growth of nuclear power plants in the future. Wirth will continue to pursue expansion of the department’s engagement with Y-12, which includes the recently established Y-12 Innovation Challenge, to provide NE students, faculty, and researchers an opportunity to be fully engaged in every step of the process.
“If advanced manufacturing techniques can demonstrate the ability to meet the performance requirements, then this could be a game changer in shortening the long times required to complete the construction of new nuclear power plants,” Wirth said. “This will be determined at the NSPC, and the increased collaborations with Y-12 will not only benefit nuclear power but also the strong emphasis on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security within our department.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)