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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.
Li Liu, Long Fan, Xirui Lu
Nuclear Technology | Volume 193 | Number 3 | March 2016 | Pages 430-433
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NT15-31
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This research evaluated the generation of uranium-doped gadolinium zirconate pyrochlore by a high-temperature sintering method. The sintering temperature and holding time were adjusted in the fabricating course. The sintered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The study shows that uranium-doped gadolinium zirconate pyrochlore can be generated with sintering parameters of 1250°C and 72 h. Analysis with XRD indicates that the uranium-doped gadolinium zirconate pyrochlore has a fluorite structure.
