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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
A. Ibrahim, D. L. Henderson, L. A. El-Guebaly, P. P. H. Wilson, M. E. Sawan, ARIES Team
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 56 | Number 2 | August 2009 | Pages 726-730
Nuclear Analysis | Eighteenth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Part 2) | doi.org/10.13182/FST09-A8994
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The effects of neutron streaming through the divertor He-access pipes of the ARIES compact stellarator fusion power plant on the shielding performance of its components were investigated in this analysis. A 3-D analysis for the most promising design of the He-access pipe with shielding plug and inserts indicated that neutron attenuation through the shielded pipe is not sufficient to eliminate the issue of neutron streaming. The results show that the damage exceeded the limits near the pipe for the manifold, vacuum vessel, and magnet. Precautions should be taken that include changing the pipe design and orientation, avoiding rewelding the manifold and vacuum vessel near the pipe, and/or relocating the magnet away from the pipe. The neutron flux behind the pipe is excessive, mandating additional local shield (∼1 m) to protect the externals.