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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.
M. W. Abdulrahman
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 3 | March 2025 | Pages 476-499
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2024.2337234
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This research presents the development of a one-dimensional analytical model to investigate the impact of pressure variations in the primary loop on natural circulation (NC). The model takes into account a sinusoidal input heat distribution and derives equations for the parameters of NC. The model covers a broad spectrum of NC patterns, spanning from fully single-phase to fully two-phase flow. The research demonstrates a smooth and continuous transition between various kinds of NC. Moreover, the research demonstrates that NC is capable of efficiently dissipating the decay heat generated inside the core of a pressurized water reactor, encompassing a range from 100% to 60% of the total inventory present within the primary loop. The findings of this study are compared to prior research outcomes and demonstrate a reasonable level of consistency. Additionally, comparisons are made with uniform input power distribution to demonstrate that there are no significant differences in the NC parameters when using sinusoidal heat input.