Abstract: A composite foam structure is provided. The composite foam structure includes a foam layer, a metal layer, and a first adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer being disposed between the foam layer and the metal layer and configured to bond g the foam layer and the metal layer; wherein the composite foam structure further includes a fiber structure, wherein the fiber structure is disposed in at least one of the foam layer or the first adhesive layer and configured to increase a tensile strength of at least one of the foam layer or the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: An auxiliary power source for continuously powering pumps for replenishing water in a spent fuel pool and sensors monitoring the pool, in the event of a station blackout at a nuclear plant. The power source uses waste heat from spent fuel within the pool to activate a thermoelectric module system or a waste heat engine, such as a Stirling cycle or organic Rankine cycle engine to generate power for the pump and sensors. The auxiliary power source can also power a cooling system to cool the spent fuel pool.