Explore Nuclear

Radiotherapy uses radiation to target and kill cancerous cells. The materials used are typically made in a nuclear reactor.

Our ‘Journeys through Nuclear’ section makes it easy to learn about nuclear using a simple to follow, step-by-step format.

Radioactive waste is stored in many ways. Some Low-Level Waste requires less shielding and containment and can be stored in standard barrels.

Massive generators are mounted in huge concrete structures. The turbines driving the generators are located one level above.

Gas centrifuges are a common way of enriching uranium. To achieve this, the devices must spin at over 50000 rotations per minute.

The Core of Windscale Unit 1 overheated and caught fire on the 10th of October 1957.

Heavy water, sometimes used in reactors, can be lethal in higher concentrations as it inhibits cell division.

Pseudo-scientific beauty and medical products made with radioactive materials used to be sold under the false pretence of health benefits.

Water in a PWR primary circuit is heated to around 300 degrees Celsius and kept under extreme pressure to prevent it from turning to steam.

Americium-241 is used as a sealed alpha-emitting source in smoke detectors.

Magnox reactors were some of the world’s first commercial nuclear reactors. The name “Magnox” comes from the magnesium-aluminium alloy (Magnesium Non-Oxidising) used to clad the natural uranium fuel rods.

There are lots of paths into the nuclear industry that require no formal education.

If you are pursuing a career in the nuclear industry, our ‘Next Steps’ tool can help you pick the right path for you.

A number of uranium cubes produced during the Manhattan Project. 

Las Vegas, nicknamed the ‘Atomic City’, became a hotspot for ‘Atomic Tourism’ during the 1950s. Tourists flocked to the city to watch atomic weapons tests.

To prevent the unwanted movement of radioactive contamination, portable surface contamination meters are used to monitor people and objects as they leave controlled areas.

A series of equipment is used to control the steam as energy is extracted from it. The steam eventually turns back into liquid water and is returned to the boilers.

At 05:29:21 MWT on the 16th of July 1945 the world’s first nuclear weapon was detonated by the United States.

Some nuclear reactor types use gases to cool the reactor core instead of water. A common example is Carbon Dioxide.

Uranium can be used to stain glass, resulting in a yellow or green colour, as well as glowing bright green under UV light.

Reactor coolant removes heat from the reactor core and transfers it to the secondary circuit for electricity generation.

Nuclear power stations make up less than 0.3% of the average annual dose to the public.

The Tōkai Nuclear Power Plant holds the distinction of being Japan’s first commercial nuclear power station. Commissioned in 1966, the reactor was based on the British Magnox design.

Fuel cladding is the first layer of containment and performs the crucial job of retaining highly radioactive fission products.

High Level Waste can be stored in gigantic and extremely heavily shielded dry casks during storage or transport.

Enriched uranium can be handled by hand. The main danger is not the radiation, but the possibility of heavy metal poisoning.

Atomic weapons release so much energy that temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius can be reached during the reaction.

Uranium takes its name from a planet in our solar system. Uranium was discovered in 1789 and named after the recently discovered planet Uranus.

This cross-sectional cut of a nuclear waste container reveals how spent nuclear fuel assemblies are stored. The wall of the container includes radiation absorbing material and the exterior is covered with heat fins.

Our ‘Museum’ section lets you immerse yourself in the incredible moments and items that define the industry.