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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.
Chang M. Kang, Jin-Kyu Kim, Won-Gu Kang
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 6 | June 2025 | Pages 1337-1346
Note | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2024.2387409
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An innovative design is introduced for neutron transmutation employing a proton accelerator in conjunction with a compact subcritical system. The transmutation converter comprises a spherical target enveloped by a subcritical assembly. The subcritical assembly consists of a moderator and low-enriched uranium in shell plates. The subcritical assembly has an inner radius of 10 cm and a thickness of 40 or 55 cm. The material used for the target is lead, and beryllium or beryllium oxide is used as a moderator. Low-enriched uranium in the subcritical assembly contains 5% 235U. The transmutation half-life is inversely proportional to the integral of epithermal 99Tc capture rates. The MCNP6 simulation demonstrates that the transmutation half-life is less than 1 year when exposed to 1-GeV protons at 5 mA. Additionally, it is notable that this half-life can be further reduced with increased proton energies and currents. Previous studies have reported that the 99Tc transmutation half-life using fast reactors and an accelerator-driven system ranges from tens to hundred years; this design concept represents a substantial advancement to previous research efforts.