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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.
J. B. Yang, X. G. Tuo, Z. Li, Y. Cheng, L. Wang, H. H. Wang, B. Cai, M. Z. Liu
Nuclear Technology | Volume 184 | Number 2 | November 2013 | Pages 233-238
Technical Paper | Radiation Transport and Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT13-A22318
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
To improve the yield of online prompt gamma neutron activation analysis, the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP) is used to simulate the computation and analysis of the material and thickness of reflectors on both sides of the sample chamber as well as the type and thickness of the neutron-absorbing material in front of the detector. The simulation shows that the optimal thickness of the reflecting material is [approximately]100 mm when heavy water is added on both sides of the sample chamber and the optimal thickness of the neutron-absorbing material is [approximately]50 mm when polyethylene-containing boron is added in front of the detector. The experiment demonstrated that the yield of prompt gamma rays of the main elements in the cement sample increased to some extent.