ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
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.
August W. Cronenberg
Nuclear Technology | Volume 93 | Number 2 | February 1991 | Pages 221-239
Technical Paper | Material/Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34507
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Zircaloy oxidation and hydrogen generation data from several in-pile severe fuel damage experiments are presented and compared. Common findings indicate that the extent of bundle oxidation is largely controlled by steam supply conditions, that high rates of hydrogen generation continued after melt formation and relocation, and that total flow area blockages necessary for termination of oxidation did not develop. Test results indicate no apparent limitations to Zircaloy oxidation other than those due to steam supply and known reaction kinetics.