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August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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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.
Junfeng Zhao, Yuanjie Sun, Yue Zhang, Zhigang Li, Hongtao Zhao, Qingyu Wang
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 2 | February 2025 | Pages 214-224
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2024.2323257
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The impact of CsPbBr3, known for its high atomic number and cross section with neutrons, on the gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties of CsPbBr3-polypropylene (PP) composite material was investigated in this study. Critical shielding parameters, including linear attenuation coefficient μ, mass attenuation coefficient μm, half-value thickness, tenth-value layer, and mean free path (MFP), were calculated using Phy-X/PSD software. Additionally, two types of gamma-ray buildup factors, i.e., exposure buildup factor and energy absorption buildup factor, were computed within the range of 0.015 to 15 MeV for depths up to 40 MFP. Furthermore, the neutron shielding ability was evaluated by determining the neutron total effective removal cross section. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of CsPbBr3 enhances the gamma-ray and neutron shielding characteristics of the CsPbBr3-PP composite material.
