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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Technical Session|Technology Research and Development
Thursday, April 30, 2026|2:00–3:20PM EDT|Room 305
Session Chair:
Joel Krakower
Alternate Chair:
Timothy Blackman (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville)
To access paper attachments, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
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Experimental Campaign of Bubble Dynamics in Liquids with AI Analysis for CNTP Research
2:00–2:20PM EDT
Julia Kondrat'yev (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Olivia Williams (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Timothy Blackman (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Robert Frederick (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville)
Paper
Initial Nitrogen Bubble Formation Results from Simulating a Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine
2:20–2:40PM EDT
Timothy Blackman (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Julia Kondrat'yev (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville), Olivia Williams (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville), Robert A. Frederick (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville), L. Dale Thomas (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville)
Improved Gas Visualization Liquid-Gas Models for Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems
2:40–3:00PM EDT
Pongkrit Darakorn na Ayuthya (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville), Jason T. Cassibry (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville)
A Critical Re-Evaluation of Open-Cycle Liquid-Fueled Nuclear Thermal Concepts in Light of Challenges Yet to be Addressed
3:00–3:20PM EDT
Logan R. Horner (Center for Space Nuclear Research), John Stanek (Center for Space Nuclear Research), Abigail Hogue (Center for Space Nuclear Research), Robert C. O'Brien (Center for Space Nuclear Research)
