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.
William F. Brehm, Robert L. Simons
Nuclear Technology | Volume 95 | Number 2 | August 1991 | Pages 148-155
Technical Paper | Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34552
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Measurement of corrosion product radiation levels in the Fast Flux Test Facility heat transport system cells shows a buildup of just over 10 mrem/h in regions near the hot leg and >400 mrem/h near the cold leg. These levels are due to 54Mn only; mere traces of 60Co are observed. The basis for the model used to predict radiation level buildup is reviewed. The observed radiation levels and the predicted values are compared. Discrepancies and reasons for the discrepancies are noted and explained. Some possible changes in calculation methods to increase accuracy in future predictions are presented.
