Categorization of additive manufacturing techniques for nuclear nonproliferation threat analysis
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Author(s)
Cannon, Natalie L.
Advisor(s)
Biegalski, Steven R.
Erickson, Anna
Editor(s)
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Abstract
Additive manufacturing, or AM, is a rapidly developing technology that simplifies and
automates the production of intricate objects. Recently, AM methods have been imple-
mented in the domains of nuclear weapons and nuclear enrichment technologies. However,
there are presently limited international or domestic regulations for AM’s involvement in
the nuclear sector, leading to unregulated proliferation pathways. Existing export regu-
lations are broad in scope and do not account for the particular nuances of different AM
techniques. It is crucial to scrutinize and assess the nuclear applications of AM methods
to establish effective regulations and limitations for monitoring proliferation routes. This
project involves identifying and assessing 31 of the most commonly employed AM meth-
ods based on their potential impact on the nuclear fuel cycle. Using this identification and
classification system, export controls can be directed at nuclear proliferation threats posed
by AM, without disrupting the entire industry and fuel cycle. Additionally, this compre-
hensive approach to regulating and monitoring proliferation channels would expose gaps
in export regulations.
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Date
2023-12-08
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