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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.
Stephen A. Ajah, Lateef Akanji, Jefferson Gomes
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 11 | November 2025 | Pages 2668-2698
Review Article | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2025.2454104
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Severe accidents (SAs) continue to pose a significant threat to the nuclear industry despite advancements in reactor design. This paper provides a comprehensive review of research on SA prediction, focusing on the limitations of traditional modeling approaches and the potential of machine learning (ML). We analyze the evolution of nuclear reactor generations, considering economic viability, safety, lifespan, and fuel reprocessing. Existing predictive models, primarily based on experimental data and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools like RELAP5 and MELCOR, have been effective for certain conditions but struggle to accurately capture complex multiphase flow phenomena during SAs.
To address these challenges, we explore interface capturing techniques and higher-order multiphase models as promising avenues for enhancing CFD simulations. Additionally, we survey the role of ML in improving model accuracy, particularly for predicting flow parameters during phase changes.
This review highlights the need for integrated models combining CFD, interface capturing, and ML techniques to achieve robust SA prediction. By potentially incorporating ML into computational multifluid dynamics frameworks, we aim to enhance numerical stability, computational efficiency, and predictive capabilities for multicomponent systems. Ultimately, this research contributes to the development of advanced tools for SA prevention and mitigation, improving nuclear reactor safety.