Nuclear Safety From the Ground Up

We're changing that paradigm by an autonomous condition monitoring system that embeds low-cost sensors directly into the canisters. These sensors continuously send ultrasonic waves through the structure, detecting early signs of damage like corrosion or cracking. This is a gamechanger because instead of intermittent inspection, we get continuous, real-time insight. It reduces worker exposure to radiation, dramatically speeds up assessment, and enables early detection of degradation before it becomes a safety concern.

Technology for Continuous Monitoring

Q: How are your innovations changing the way safety is evaluated?

Salamone: In short, it shifts nuclear fuel storage from reactive inspection to proactive, data-driven safety. We are closing a critical gap where container degradation is continuous, but inspection is intermittent. Our innovation closes this gap by enabling continuous, condition-based monitoring - allowing operators to intervene early, prioritize maintenance, and make better-informed decisions about long-term storage.

UT researchers Mitch Pryor and Blake Anderson from the Nuclear and Applied Robotics Group are also co-contributors to this work. They provide the expertise in the development and deployment of the remote intelligent systems in hazardous, uncertain environments .

Rathje: In seismic hazard assessment, we work toward reducing uncertainty and improving accuracy. My group has developed open-source simulation tools like Strata and PyStrata , which are widely used by engineers and researchers around the world to model ground response and soil amplification. The number of downloads is in the tens of thousands, which speaks to their impact on practice.

Beyond software, peer-reviewed publications and technical contributions feed directly into how seismic hazard assessments are conducted for critical facilities.

Applying UT Nuclear Safety Solutions Globally

Q: How does your research contribute to nuclear safety worldwide?

Rathje: I've worked on seismic hazard assessments for existing and planned nuclear facilities in Taiwan, South Africa and Poland. While seismic conditions vary across regions, the analytical frameworks and peer-review processes are consistent and often guided by U.S. regulatory standards.

Salamone: Spent nuclear fuel is stored worldwide, and the challenge of ensuring the integrity of aging storage systems with limited inspection data is global. As storage durations are extended and regulatory agencies increasingly require evidence-based aging management, scalable monitoring technologies are needed to support long-term safety. Because our approach is adaptable to different canister designs, storage configurations, and operating environments, it has the potential to support dry storage systems across countries and regulatory frameworks.

Supporting a Nuclear Future in Texas

Q: How does your work support Texas' growing investment in nuclear energy?

Salamone: Texas is investing heavily in next-generation reactors, including small modular reactors and microreactors. As deployment grows, so will the number of storage systems. Our work ensures that fuel storage infrastructure evolves alongside reactor deployment, and that storage safety scales with that growth.

Autonomous condition monitoring provides the technology needed to safely manage spent fuel over longer periods, which is critical for a sustainable nuclear expansion.

Rathje: Regardless of whether an area has high or low seismicity, any nuclear facility must undergo a seismic hazard assessment. In Texas, my work supports these assessments through research funded by the state via the Texas Seismological Network , or TexNet, and the Bureau of Economic Geology .

Much of this research focuses on understanding ground shaking in West Texas, where earthquakes are often associated with oil and gas activities such as wastewater injection. That data is essential when planning any future critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities.

Building Public Trust, Diminishing Fear

Q: Nuclear energy is often associated with risk. What misconceptions would you like to address?

Rathje: Nuclear energy stands as one of the most heavily regulated energy sources, with frameworks specifically designed to prioritize public safety. Research in this field focuses fundamentally on minimizing risk, particularly regarding seismic activity, through rigorous and transparent analysis.

It's important for the public to know that assessments aren't static. That's why periodic reassessment is so important - it ensures that facilities are evaluated and reevaluated using the best available science, not outdated assumptions. This also allows the incorporation of improved ground motion models that add new data. Because of this, sometimes entirely new risks are identified.