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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.
Anthony J. Baratta, Alireza Haghighat, Bernard R. Bandini
Nuclear Technology | Volume 87 | Number 4 | December 1989 | Pages 1013-1020
Late Paper | TMI-2: Decontamination and Waste Management / Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A27693
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The source range monitor (SRM) response during the first 25 h of the Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) accident is analyzed. The response of the SRM was simulated by performing static neutron transport calculations on a variety of lower head core material distribution models. Using the previously derived core and lower head material configurations at 225 min and 3 yr after shutdown as starting points, the changing lower head material distribution during the period from 225 min to 25 h after shutdown was estimated. The estimated lower head material distribution derived from this transport analysis appears to be consistent with other studies performed under the auspices of the TMI-2 accident evaluation program.