Yoshiki Kimura
Nuclear Energy Division
- Position
- Assistant Professor
- TEL
- +81-3-5734-3074
- kimura.yoshikizc.iir.titech.ac.jp
- Researcher Link
- ORCID
Feature of Research
Our research focuses on the innovative nuclear reactors reducing social and environmental risks by enhancing safety and nuclear security features. We are working to improve intrinsic safety and security features based on risk assessment for abnormal incidents assuming malicious human acts, and reactor design optimizations that include external measures such as physical protection and safety protection. Furthermore, as research to ensure public confidence in the use of nuclear energy and improve its transparency, we are also working on the application of novel approaches such as deep learning models, for the development of advanced, low-cost and more confident analytical techniques for “nuclear forensics” to identify the history of nuclear materials and radioisotopes (RN materials), and the establishment of concepts that contribute to enhancing traceability of the RN materials.
Outline of Research
- Development of innovative nuclear reactors reducing social and environmental risks
This study aims to realize an innovative reactor that reduces risks to society and the environment by optimizing safety and nuclear security features. By evaluating the mechanical, thermal and chemical stability of the reactors in abnormal incidents caused by malicious human acts, we investigate the optimization of nuclear reactors based on these evaluations. Starting from the examination of intrinsic 3S features that are difficult to tamper with based on the fuel and reactor core design, we are working on the optimization of external measures such as accident control, safeguards and physical protection, which complement the intrinsic features, including their efficiency and effectiveness. Our ultimate goal is to propose innovative nuclear reactors integrating safety and security features and optimization approach for realizing the synergy of these features. - Improvement of the traceability of nuclear materials and radioisotopes by “nuclear forensics”
Based on the expertise in “nuclear forensics” that reveals the history of nuclear and radioactive materials, we are working on the research to propose means to improve the “transparency” of nuclear materials and radioisotopes (RN materials) which have become indispensable for the sustainable development of modern society, by improving their traceability. This research will not only reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation and security, but will also contribute to the efficiency of IAEA safeguards and physical protection measures, and to the mitigation of unexpected incidents that go beyond the design basis threat of nuclear energy systems. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the promotion of the use of RN materials in society by improving their transparency. Starting from the investigation of diversification, cost reduction, and improvement of confidence in analytical techniques for nuclear forensics by the application of novel approaches such as deep learning models, we will propose a novel means to improve the transparency by intentional tracer additives that facilitate the detection and identification of the RN materials.
Keyword
Nuclear Security, Nuclear Forensics, Risk Analysis, Safety, Safeguards, Fuel and Reactor Core Design, Nuclear Detection