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August 24–27, 2026
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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.
Jie Wang, Yanan Li, Yongfeng Wang, Taosheng Li, Zaodi Zhang
Nuclear Technology | Volume 205 | Number 7 | July 2019 | Pages 978-986
Regular Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2019.1575122
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A fast neutron radiography (FNR) system based on the high-intensity deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion generator (HINEG) facility, which employs a high-intensity D-T fusion generator, was designed. To determine the optimal design of the FNR system, the influence of key parameters [the scattered neutron ratio ns (ratio of scattered neutrons and total neutrons at image detection system), collimator ratio L/D, distance between the sample and image detector t, and sample thickness d] on the spatial resolution and image contrast of the system was analyzed using the FLUKA code. The design parameters were optimized to reduce scattering and thus ensure better spatial resolution. The FNR system was constructed for HINEG according to the optimal design parameters, and FNR experiments were conducted to validate the simulation results and evaluate the actual spatial resolution. The experimental results showed that the spatial resolution of this FNR system is approximately 0.5 mm, which is in agreement with the calculation results.
