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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.
S. E. Soliman, D. L. Youchison, A. J. Baratta, T. A. Balliett
Nuclear Technology | Volume 96 | Number 3 | December 1991 | Pages 346-352
Technical Paper | Material | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34595
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Neutron effects on the mechanical properties and the microstructures of borated stainless steel are studied by irradiating three borated stainless steel batches to different radiation levels (from 1 × 1013 to 1 × 1017 n/cm2). Each batch includes samples varying in boron content from 0.25 to 2.01 wt° and manufactured by two different processes: a powder metallurgical and a conventional wrought technique, which meet the requirements of American Society of Testing and Materials Standard A-887 grades A and B, respectively. A total of 50 tensile specimens, 81 Charpy V-notch samples, and 17 metallographic specimens are used for this purpose. In general, the mechanical properties of samples manufactured by both the powder metallurgy and the wrought techniques show almost no change in mechanical properties with fluence. In addition, no evidence of helium effects are observed during the investigation. Further studies on helium formation in this material during irradiation are ongoing.