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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.
Simon Chung, Martin Stewart, Peter Wypych, David Hastie, Andrew Grima, Sam Moricca
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 4 | April 2025 | Pages 821-847
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2024.2361195
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This research presents a discrete element method (DEM) model for simulating the vibratory filling of the Idaho calcine waste simulant into various convoluted hot isostatic pressing canisters. The simulation closely emulates the experimental vibratory powder-filling processes, achieving accurate representations of surface profiles and powder bed heights. Notably, the model underestimates lower fill levels but demonstrates improved accuracy at higher levels due to diminished air influence. Executed on a consumer-grade desktop PC, the DEM model replicates tapped powder bed heights to within millimeters, proving its capability to efficiently simulate commercial-scale bulk material handling processes using standard computing hardware.