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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.
Bong Goo Kim, Joy L. Rempe, Darrell L. Knudson, Keith G. Condie, Bulent H. Sencer
Nuclear Technology | Volume 179 | Number 3 | September 2012 | Pages 417-428
Technical Paper | Materials for Nuclear Systems | doi.org/10.13182/NT12-A14173
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An instrumented creep testing capability is being developed for specimens irradiated in pressurized water reactor coolant conditions at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). A test rig has been developed such that samples will be subjected to stresses up to 350 MPa at temperatures up to 370°C in pile. Initial Idaho National Laboratory (INL) efforts to develop this creep testing capability for the ATR are summarized. In addition to providing an overview of in-pile creep test capabilities available at other test reactors, this paper reports efforts by the INL to evaluate a prototype test rig in an autoclave at INL's High Temperature Test Laboratory. Data from autoclave tests with Type 304 stainless steel and copper specimens are reported.
