The paper investigates the impact of electrolytic plasma treatment (EPT) on the wear resistance of harrow teeth fabricated from grade 45 steel. Experimental results demonstrate that EPT leads to a 2–2.5 fold increase in microhardness and a more than three-order-of-magnitude reduction in the wear coefficient. Numerical modeling using COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to assess the behavior of harrow teeth under operational conditions. The model, based on Archard's law, enabled the calculation of contact stresses during the interaction of a harrow tooth with dense soil, as well as the prediction of wear thickness and volume under various load conditions. The computed contact stress values were utilized to estimate wear (4.58·10⁷ N/m² when moving horizontally and 5.31·10⁸ N/m² when immersed in soil). The calculations reveal that hardened teeth exhibit significantly lower wear volumes (≈11.7–11.8 mm³/km), while for the original steel 45 without EPT, this figure is approximately 79 cm³/km. The study findings confirm that electrolytic plasma hardening effectively reduces harrow tooth wear, extends their service life, and allows service life prediction without full-scale testing. This hardening method holds promise for agricultural machinery, as it enhances the durability of working components and can help lower operating costs.

This review provides a detailed analysis of the influence of high-velocity oxygen-fuel spraying (HVOF) parameters on the microstructure formation and performance characteristics of chromium carbide-nickel-chromium (Cr₃C₂–NiCr) coatings. Key structural parameters, including density, porosity, adhesive strength, and microhardness, which determine the mechanical behavior of the coating under intense external loads, are investigated. Particular attention is paid to the mechanism of wear resistance, adhesion strength to the substrate, and resistance to fatigue failure, which is critical for operation under extreme mechanical stress. The effect of various HVOF spraying modes on the phase features of the coatings, as well as their correlation with performance characteristics, is considered. Based on the analysis, promising areas of application of Cr₃C₂–NiCr coatings in the aviation, energy and mechanical engineering industries are formulated, requiring a combination of high wear resistance and thermal stability.

The regularities of chemical contact-exchange deposition of thin copper films on porous silicon are investigated. Aqueous and aqueous-alcoholic solutions of copper sulfate with hydrofluoric acid additives are used for copper deposition. The optimal ratio of solution component concentrations is determined, which allows controlling the kinetics of the deposition process and obtaining shiny copper films with good adhesion to the silicon substrate. It is established that copper is deposited on porous silicon in the form of a film consisting of micro- and nanometer-sized grains. The packing density and the size of copper grains are determined by both the deposition time and the pore diameter of porous silicon. It is shown that at a porosity of up to 10%, copper grains nucleate only on the vertices of silicon nanocrystallites of the porous silicon matrix. An increase in porosity leads to the simultaneous nucleation of copper grains on the inner surface of the pore channels and the vertices of silicon nanocrystallites. Reflection spectra of nanocomposite films were recorded. It was found that the maximum intensity of the absorption band, caused by surface plasmon resonance, is characteristic of a film deposited for 5 min. from an alcohol-containing solution on porous silicon, which was formed on the silicon wafer of n-type with resistivity 0.01 and orientation (111). Thus, by varying the pore sizes of the porous layer and the deposition conditions, it is possible to manufacture various types of thin-film nanocomposite structures from silicon and copper, promising for use as functional nanomaterials in electronics and photonics.

Under the research reactor conversion Project, the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been working on the issue of the further handling the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) unloaded from the IVG.1M reactor. One of the critical stages is the transportation of the spent fuel assemblies (SFAs) to the storage or processing place, which should comply with the “Rules for the Transportation of Radioactive Substances and Radioactive Waste”, approved by the order of the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In this work, the safe parameters of the SFAs unloaded from the IVG.1M reactor core have been determined to ensure the SNF safe transportation to the storage or processing point. The neutronic calculations have been carried out to substantiate the nuclear safety during the storage of the IVG.1M SFAs in a universal casing for TUK-19 under the normal conditions and in the case of an emergency caused by the casing complete flooding. The thermal state of the SFAs was determined, taking into account the data on the reduction of the residual heat generation. An assessment of the thermal and radiation condition of the TUK-19 external surface with the SFAs has been performed. The experience gained in handling the SNF of a research reactor will be in demand when developing recommendations for handling the SNF of power reactors at future Kazakhstani nuclear power plants.

To model thermal processes that occur in the core of the Impulse Graphite Reactor (IGR), the Institute of Atomic Energy of the RSE NNC RK uses a designed three-dimensional thermophysical model. This model has a high degree of detail and allows for thermophysical calculations of the core parameters in various modes of operation, including at maximum energy release and in the event of emergency situations. The input data are multidimensional arrays with the distribution of energy release in the core, obtained after neutronic calculations. The result of the modeling is an array of data containing the temperature values of each unit of the model at each moment in time. When designing the thermophysical model, new non-standard approaches were implemented that were not previously used. This paper shows the features of modeling the IGR core in the ANSYS Mechanical APDL environment, which made it possible to obtain a high-quality tool for studying the temperature modes of the reactor.

The article describes the process of interlaboratory comparison tests conducted pursuant to the international quality standards including GOST ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17043, as well as the participation of the Test Center “Center for Radioecological Research” (branch office “Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology” (hereinafter referred to as IRSE of RSE NNC RK) in such comparison tests. The participation experience in the national and international comparison test programs arranged by such providers as ‘TC Agrostandart – XXI century’ Ltd, ‘Ekogidrokontrol’ Ltd and ALMERA (IAEA) is also described 2020 through 2024. Measurement means, procedures, regulatory documents and a list of research objects and indicators to be determined are presented within the scope of interlaboratory comparison tests.

Particular attention was paid to measurements obtained by the Test Center and their analysis by means of a statistical |Z|-score, which allows for the determination of the conformity degree of results and providers’ established standards. The participation in interlaboratory comparison tests makes it possible for the Test Center not only to prove its competence but also verify the result repeatability, calibration reproducibility and to reveal problem areas associated with measurement techniques, personnel\s qualifications or equipment calibration. The intercomparison measurements have demonstrated the accuracy and operational robustness of the Test Center, which proves the qualification and correct application of the test techniques in the field of radioecology and chemical analysis.

This article shows the progress and results of hydraulic calculations of utility lines using the ZuluHydro program. It is reported that the ZuluHydro program allows you to create a computational mathematical model of the network, conduct network certification, solve information problems based on the created models, topological analysis problems, and perform various hydraulic calculations. Calculations should be made for closed and ring water supply lines, including throttling devices and lifting and pumping stations operating from one or more sources. ZuluHydro calculations can work both in close integration with a geographic information system and as a separate component library, allowing calculations to be carried out in user applications. The program offers a user-friendly interface. The program allows you to calculate variable processes in hydro networks with various changes in network operating modes.

In this work was investigated the methods of acid modification of bentonite clays from the Kalzhat and Orta Tentek deposits located in the Almaty region of Republic Kazakhstan with sulfuric and nitric acid in various concentrations and determined the effective concentration. In this study, the effective concentrations of 20% H₂SO₄ and 10% HNO₃ were selected, because bentonite was modified with 10–98% H₂SO₄ and 10–65% HNO₃ acids during the study. Among these concentrations, according to the results of various studies, 20% H₂SO₄ and 10% HNO₃ acids were found to be effective, and the concentrations given in this work were considered effective. The obtained results were studied by the IR-spectroscopy FTIR, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope methods. Bentonite modification has a positive effect on opening the interlayer space of clay and improving its properties. After purification and modification, bentonite clay can be used in agriculture, manufacturing, medicine, and various fields such as drilling, construction and water purification.

The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the lithium content in aqueous samples of various origins in order to assess the prospects for their industrial use. It has been established that the most appropriate source of lithium is brine formed during desalination of seawater at the MAEK LLP enterprise, with a mass concentration of lithium of 2.10 mg/l (0.0021%). Spectral and X-ray phase analyses have shown that the main mineral phase in the solid sediment is calcium sulfate (gypsum) with a fraction of up to 95.2%, with admixtures of bassanite and halite. It has been established that lithium is predominantly preserved in the liquid phase after evaporation, which makes it advisable to use methods of extraction from solution, such as ion exchange, membrane technologies and sorption processes. The ionic-salt composition of the brines indicates a sodium chloride type with high mineralization, the presence of sulfates, magnesium and other ions, which requires preliminary preparation of the solution before lithium extraction. Despite the low concentration of lithium, the combination of physical and chemical characteristics of the studied brines allows them to be considered as an additional source of lithium raw materials.

This paper discusses the process of obtaining microcrystalline cellulose by removing lignin from biomass and studying its properties. Rice husks, which are agricultural waste, were used as biomass. The effect of the ratio of biomass to peroxyacetic acid on the yield of microcrystalline cellulose was determined. The yield of microcrystalline cellulose from rice husks at a ratio of 1/14 was 70%. Additionally, gel films based on rice MCC and sodium alginate were prepared, and their hydrolytic degradation properties were studied. In an acidic medium (pH 4.08), the gel film showed a 66% mass loss within 7 days, indicating pH sensitivity and biodegradability.

The morphological surface, average particle size, and structure of the samples were studied. The surface morphology of the samples was examined using a scanning electron microscope, and it was found that the average particle size was 7–10 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the amorphous–crystalline nature of the material. Fourier-transform

infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and ether functional groups. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the thermal stability of the gel films.

The developed method for producing microcrystalline cellulose from biomass requires fewer processing stages compared to traditional methods and is environmentally safe. It was shown that high-quality microcrystalline cellulose can be obtained in one stage without the use of reagents containing sulfur and chlorine, high pressure, or large amounts of water. The interest in microcrystalline cellulose is due to its unique properties, such as lightness, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Currently, it is in high demand in the production of aerogels, gels, biocomposites, biodegradable materials, and films.

The article analyzes the problem of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management in the context of NPP construction in Kazakhstan. It emphasizes the absence of a comprehensive waste management strategy in the country, despite international agreements. The article reviews the methods of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management at operating NPPs, including emission cleanup, waste treatment and fuel storage. Traditional and innovative technologies, such as spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and various storage options, are analyzed.

This article presents the results of a study on the influence of mechanical activation parameters on the morphological, thermal, and phase characteristics of multicomponent Ti+SiC and TiCN+Si powders intended for the formation of functional coatings via reactive plasma spraying (RPS). A comprehensive analysis of the structural and property changes of the powders depending on activation time was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was established that the optimal activation time is 60 minutes, at which the best combination of characteristics is achieved: reduction in particle size, decreased agglomeration, enhanced thermal stability, and formation of highly crystalline phases. These activation conditions were found to promote the synthesis of new functional phases, increasing the reactivity and homogeneity of the composite. The obtained results have practical significance for the development of nanostructured wear- and heat-resistant coatings for components operating under high temperatures and mechanical loads, particularly in industries such as mechanical engineering, energy, and aerospace.

The article presents a numerical modeling study of the dynamics of pollutant particles in the atmosphere of Ust-Kamenogorsk, with a focus on PM2.5 emissions from the Ust-Kamenogorsk Metallurgical Plant (UKMP). The modeling employs advanced techniques that account for meteorological conditions, topographical features, and anthropogenic pollution sources. Special attention is given to estimating PM2.5 concentrations across different seasons and analyzing their impact on air quality and public health. The modeling results aid in identifying key pollution hotspots and evaluating the effectiveness of emission reduction measures. Comparison with data from other months reveals seasonal variations in PM2.5 levels, enabling more accurate forecasts of pollutant impacts depending on the time of year.

This paper presents the results of the work carried out to justify the safe transport of liquid radioactive waste (LRW) samples from MAEK LLP in Aktau to the RSE “National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan” in Kurchatov. Initially, a special transport and packaging kit (TUK) was designed and manufactured for the samples, based on preliminary data on the properties of the LRW (activity and nuclide composition). The TUK meets the requirements of Kazakhstan's regulatory documents on the use of atomic energy. Neutronic calculations were performed to evaluate the effective dose rate of gamma radiation on the surface of the TUK, thereby confirming the safety of transporting LRW samples.

The key aim of the presented research results is to determine the effect of ionic modification on enhancement of the resistance of multilayer coatings to external influences, including high-temperature oxidation, exposure to aggressive environments and mechanical loads. The method of irradiation with low-energy N⁺, C⁺, O⁺ ions with energies of 40 keV and fluences of 10¹³, 10¹⁴ and 10¹⁵ cm⁻² was chosen as the ion modification method. The choice of these ions is based on the similarity of their masses, alongside the possibility of their acceleration with the same energy, which makes it possible to exclude the energy factor during the modification efficiency assessment. During the studies conducted it was established that the strengthening effect observed during irradiation with low-energy ions has a direct dependence on the irradiation fluence, the variation of which leads to the formation of a higher density of structural defects in the damaged layer, and is also practically independent of the type of ions used for modification. Moreover, it has been established that the maximum hardening effect is achieved at irradiation fluences of 10¹⁵ cm⁻², at which the hardening of the near-surface layer is about 10–15% compared to unmodified coatings. The results of the assessment of the efficiency of resistance to external mechanical influences, in particular, to friction, showed that the formation of a deformation layer due to ionic modification leads to an increase in resistance to wear during friction, as well as an increase in the stability of the coating surface to degradation processes. Tests of thermal barrier properties of coatings have shown that the use of the ion modification method leads to an increase in the thermal insulation properties of coatings by inhibiting heat transfer processes in the coatings.

This paper presents the results of modeling the ohmic heating of the electrode in an electroslag remelting system using the ANSYS software package. A description of the electroslag remelting installation designed for remelting metals to remove radionuclides is provided. A modeling method is proposed that involves an interdisciplinary simulation using the Electric and Transient Thermal modules of ANSYS. The results demonstrate that this approach enables the calculation of energy release and the corresponding temperature distribution within the electrode. These findings can be used for selecting electrodes of various geometries and materials, as well as for optimizing the operating modes of the electroslag remelting system

This article is a review, which provides a solution to the one-dimensional and three-dimensional problem of the wave process. The equation in question is a hyperbolic equation that can be derived only for the one-dimensional case and describes the process of river flow, matter transfer, diffusive mass transfer, and flow through a porous medium. The solution of the equation is sought in the form of integro-differential operators, represented as a special series with constant coefficients determined from the recurrence relation. With this approach, general solutions are expressed in terms of arbitrary functions and are not related to solving another equation. The resulting form of general solutions makes it possible to apply the method of initial functions to solve boundary value problems, since arbitrary analytical functions included in general solutions can be expressed in terms of initial functions specified by the problem condition. From these formulas of general solutions, it is easy to find all particular solutions in various classes of analytical functions. Next, the solution of a special case of the Lame equation describing the wave process is considered. The solution of a special case of the Lame equation is also sought in the form of a series, using the recurrent operator method. The algorithm for solving the three-dimensional problem of the wave process is similar to that for the one-dimensional problem. This approach is very effective for constructing solutions to the equations of the theory of thermal conductivity and the theory of elasticity. The results obtained are illustrated graphically and shown in the tables.

The article presents the results of the study of ionospheric effects of the extreme geomagnetic storm of May 25/26, 1967 (Dst = −387 nT) obtained using ionospheric data measured at five ionospheric stations located in the Central Asian region. The geomagnetic storm with an initial phase lasting approximately 9 hours began at ~20 UT on May 25, which for the region under consideration corresponds to nighttime (at 00:01 LT) on May 26.

The negative ionospheric disturbance lasting about 28 hours, which began at all stations under consideration during the onset of the main phase of the geomagnetic storm, was characterized by a decrease in the critical frequencies of the ionospheric F2 layer foF2 by 2.2 times compared to the foF2 level under quiet geomagnetic conditions. The “G condition” observed during the negative phase of the ionospheric storm, when foF2 foF1, lasted for about 11 hours and indicated significant changes in the thermospheric parameters responsible for the formation of the F-region in the middle latitudes. The anomalous formation of the nighttime E-layer observed at all ionospheric stations is discussed in the context of the physical mechanism of energetic particle precipitation at middle and low latitudes.

The increased values and wave-like variations of the critical frequencies of foF2 observed during the recovery phase of the geomagnetic storm are interpreted in terms of their being caused by traveling atmospheric disturbances (TAD).

The black out event associated with the complete absorption of the sounding signal observed at stations in the Central Asian and Far Eastern regions on May 28 is associated with the impact of the high-intensity solar cosmic ray flux recorded during this period on the lower ionosphere.

The ionospheric storm of May 25/26 can serve as a model of the ionospheric response to an extreme disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field.

The paper provides an examination of approaches to ensuring Nuclear Security of nuclear facilities based on small modular reactors, as well as a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of physical protection systems. These approaches are based on the principles of the IAEA, taking into account the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international experience in ensuring the safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities based on small modular reactors.

In most tokamaks, additional heating or extra power input is used to achieve the necessary plasma parameters such as temperature, confinement time, etc. This makes it possible to address current scientific challenges and conduct advanced research. The KTM tokamak will implement additional power input into the plasma using ion-cyclotron heating, as specified in the design. The additional plasma heating system on the KTM consists of four identical high-frequency generators, each with a capacity of 2 MW. No other systems for additional power input and plasma heating are provided on the KTM tokamak. Before operating such systems in normal mode, debugging and testing are conducted using load equivalents. This article presents the calculation of an active load equivalent. Based on the calculation results, the shape and geometric dimensions that ensure the absorption of up to 300 kW of high-frequency power are determined. The dimensions and main parameters of the load equivalent design for the additional high-frequency plasma heating system of the KTM tokamak have been determined. The calculations were carried out based on the assumption that the most preferable option is to create the load equivalent in the form of a resonator with an absorber made of saline aqueous solution. Experimental results from debugging using the developed active load equivalent are also presented. It has been demonstrated that with the developed load equivalent, it is possible to successfully carry out the necessary tests and adjustments of a high-power generator, and to prepare the additional power input system on the KTM tokamak for further debugging and switching to operation under plasma load.

The work is dedicated to the development of an electromagnetic system for deflecting the primary electron beam in a plasma-beam installation (PBI). The system, consisting of two pairs of mutually perpendicular coils, enables two-dimensional control of the beam position, which allows for a reduction in specific thermal power, an increase in the total power of the beam-plasma discharge (BPD), and the implementation of heating and recrystallization annealing with a minimal temperature gradient. The coil parameters were calculated to generate a magnetic induction of up to 62.66 mT. The deflection of the electron beam on the surface of a metal plate was visually confirmed, demonstrating the operability and functional flexibility of the electromagnetic control system. Experiments in BPD mode using the differential collector method (aperture probe) showed an increase in ion current from 9 mA to 12 mA at an electron beam accelerating voltage of 5000 V, a deuterium pressure of 1 mTorr, and a deflection amplitude of 27.95 dB.

The article presents the findings on assessment of dose loads in the natural population of Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus Pal., 1771) living in the Semipalatinsk Test Site area. The calculated expected dose rate for roe deer living in the "conditionally background" area of the STS will not exceed 3.7 µGy/day, while for those in areas affected by radioactive fallout plumes, it will not exceed 150 µGy/day. The main contribution to the dose comes from internal exposure to ⁹⁰Sr. According to radiation effect scales for biota, depending on the dose rate of chronic exposure in various animal species, the calculated dose for the “conditionally background” areas of the STS correspond to natural background radiation. In areas with radioactive fallout plumes at the STS, the expected dose may reach the threshold for minor cytogenetic effects and stimulation in sensitive vertebrate species. According to the set of derived reference levels, the calculated dose for roe deer living in the “conditionally background” areas of the STS correspond to natural background radiation. In contrast, the doses calculated for roe deer living in areas with radioactive fallout plumes at the STS indicate an extremely low probability of any biological effects. At the technical sites of the STS, under the most conservative exposure scenario, the maximum possible dose rates may range from 1.6·10⁴ –1.7·10⁷ µGy/day. There are risks of a fairly wide range of effects, up to the occurrence of fatal radiation sickness (at the “Experimental Field”, “4” and “4A” technical sites). According to the risk of various effects, the studied areas can be arranged in the following decreasing order: RWA test sites (“4” and “4A”) > Experimental Field test locations > Degelen test locations > Balapan test locations > Sary-Uzen test locations > area of radioactive fallout plumes at the STS > areas of the STS without radioactive fallout plumes and test locations.

This work presents the results of phase equilibrium modeling in the La-Ni-Al system using the Thermo-Calc software. The aim of the calculations was to optimize the composition and sintering parameters of aluminum-alloyed materials to preserve the CaCu₅-type structure and ensure stable hydride-forming properties. Phase diagram sections were constructed for temperatures of 750–950 ℃ at aluminum concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 wt.%, and corresponding thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy and enthalpy were calculated. The results showed that at 5–10 wt.% Al, the LaNi₅ phase field is preserved with a minimal amount of secondary phases, while at 15–20 wt.% Al, the formation of NiAl (BCC_B2) intermetallics and rare-earth compounds such as La₂Ni₇ occurs, along with the appearance of a liquid phase. The Scheil solidification calculation revealed that when the critical aluminum threshold of 10 wt.% is exceeded, aluminum redistributes into the liquid phase, leading to the breakdown of the original structure and degradation of the material’s hydrogen storage properties. The obtained data enable the determination of optimal synthesis and alloying conditions for developing efficient next-generation metal hydride hydrogen storage systems.

Hydrogen is a promising source of energy, which requires the development of reliable and efficient methods of its storage. The most promising technology is the storage of hydrogen in intermetallic compounds. This method is one of the safest and allows you to store hydrogen with a higher volume density. In this work, the effect of titanium alloying on the phase and structural composition of LaNi₅-based alloys synthesized by mechanosynthesis and spark plasma sintering is studied. X-ray phase analysis revealed that LaNi₅ is the main matrix phase, and TiNi intermetallic compound is also formed. The oxide phases La₂O₃ and TiO₂, which arose as a result of local oxidation, were found in a number of samples. Optimal crystallinity and phase uniformity characteristics were found in the LNT-1 sample, which confirms the high efficiency of the selected processing conditions. The optimal conditions for obtaining an intermetallic compound based on LaNi₅ doped with titanium are: The ratio of the mass of the balls to the mass of the powder (BPR) is 20:1 for a duration of 8 hours with a rotation speed of 350 rpm and IPS at a pressure of 2 MPa, a temperature of 1300 ℃ and a holding time of 5 minutes. The results obtained allow us to recommend this approach for creating materials with improved characteristics for solid-state hydrogen storage.

This work presents the development of a technology for forming a thin-film electrolyte based on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) using reactive magnetron sputtering for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The resulting coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), current–voltage (I–V) measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The fabricated YSZ films exhibited a dense structure, strong adhesion to the anode substrate, and a cubic phase with predominant (111) orientation. The crystallite size was found to be 10–12 nm. Experimental I–V curves showed an increase in peak power density from ~0.2 W/cm² at 600 ℃ to ~1.1 W/cm² at 800 ℃, while EIS results indicated a decrease in total resistance from 2.2 to 0.9 Ω·cm² over the same temperature range. These results confirm the high ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and gas-tightness of the thin-film YSZ electrolyte, highlighting its potential for use in next-generation energy-efficient IT-SOFCs.