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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.
Hyung-Kyu Kim, Hyun-Gil Kim, Jae-Ho Yang, Yang-Hyun Koo
Nuclear Technology | Volume 198 | Number 3 | June 2017 | Pages 342-346
Technical Note | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2017.1311591
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The thickness of iron-based accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding is discussed in this technical note because its thickness tends to be reduced from conventional zirconium alloy cladding. Structural stability may be lost if the thickness cannot withstand external pressure. Thus, the minimum allowable thickness of the ATF cladding is studied here from the viewpoint of preventing a cladding collapse. The elastic buckling theory is used to obtain the minimum thickness. The uncertainties of the mechanical properties and dimension tolerances are taken into consideration. The ovality of the cladding is also incorporated. An example calculation is carried out for APMT cladding. It is evaluated that the minimum thickness is 0.45 mm when the safety factor against the buckling is set as 2.0 and 1% of the cladding radius is accommodated for the ovality. A reference guideline of the minimum thickness depending on the mechanical property variation is suggested.