Robert C Duckworth

Bio

I have had the privilege to be at ORNL for nearly the past twenty years working across different aspects of superconductivity, cryogenics, vacuum, & insulations. Through collaborations across multiple organizations and universities, current work ranges from superconducting magnet design and procurement for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment to conventional cable aging in radiation environments for current and next-generation nuclear reactors.  

The Fusion Technology Group, part of the Fusion Nuclear Science, Technology, and Engineering Section, develops innovative technology approaches for heating, fueling and controlling plasmas required for efficient operation of future fusion systems.

Professional Experience

• Developed and leading joint University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK)/ORNL convergent initiative on Accelerating Fusion Technology: Magnets, Materials and Modeling
• Leading design and fabrication of superconducting magnet and cryogenic systems within a multi-disciplinary, multi-laboratory project team for Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment, a linear device tasked with exploring plasma/material interactions in fusion environments.
• Managed magnet activities using DOE 413.3b guidelines that track cost and schedule progress using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) using monthly activity tracking, variance reporting, and execution of baseline change control with project management team.
• Lead instrumented irradiation campaign at High Flux Isotope Reactor Gamma Irradiation Facility to examine radiation induced conductivity and its degradation of mineral insulated in-vessel conductor for ITER support research program. 
• Completed successful demonstration of a supercritical helium-cooled cryogenic viscous compressor prototype for the ITER Vacuum System utilizing Spallation Neutron Source rf heating test facility.
• Worked with Analysis and Measurement Solutions Corporation on industry-focused DOE Gateway Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear voucher program to examine advanced reactor high temperature, low atmosphere monitor multiple prototype temperature and pressure sensors with irradiation in HFIR Gamma Irradiation Facility.
• Collaborated with HFIR Gamma Irradiation Facility and ORNL Co-60 irradiator to explore insulation properties of mineral insulated cables, harvested nuclear cable insulations, and radiation resistant nano-dielectrics for current and future nuclear fission and fusion devices.
• Implemented and carried out test plan for the qualification and performance characterization of 25-m long, three-phase fault current limiting cable as part of multi-team effort in the Department of Homeland Security Project HYDRA with American Superconductor and Southwire for ConEd power grid.
• Advanced the understanding of high temperature superconducting wires in prototype devices to benefit collaboration with grid device developers such as Southwire and Waukesha Electric as part of DOE Superconductivity for Electric Power Systems.
• Mentored multiple high school and undergraduates to broaden their educational experience as part of ORNL programs to make meaningful contributions in the advancement of superconducting applications, vacuum life-time operations, and life-time issues in nuclear power cables.

Publications