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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.
D. Kontogeorgakos, I. E. Stamatelatos
Nuclear Technology | Volume 170 | Number 3 | June 2010 | Pages 460-464
Technical Note | Fission Reactors | doi.org/10.13182/NT10-A10331
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The aim of this study was to validate a Monte Carlo-based model of the Greek Research Reactor-1 (GRR-1) developed with the MCNP5 code. The GRR-1 core was modeled in detail using the exact geometry without approximations. The inventory of the core was derived using the WIMS-ANL code, taking into account the different 235U burnup of each fuel assembly. The model was validated against experimentally determined control rod reactivity worth and neutron flux measurements performed in various irradiation positions. The ratio of the calculated-to-measured integral reactivity of each of the five control rods was found to be 0.972 ± 0.151, 1.083 ± 0.168, 1.156 ± 0.179, 0.874 ± 0.137, and 1.097 ± 0.170. The calculated-to-measured thermal neutron flux ratios ranged from 0.83 ± 0.04 to 1.22 ± 0.07. Therefore, good agreement between MCNP calculated and experimental values was observed. The GRR-1 core model will be fully implemented in the design of material irradiation experiments along with reactor safety and fuel management studies.
