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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.
Kimiaki Saito, Kaoru Sato, Akira Endo, Sakae Kinase
Nuclear Technology | Volume 168 | Number 1 | October 2009 | Pages 213-219
Phantoms | Special Issue on the 11th International Conference on Radiation Shielding and the 15th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (Part 1) / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT09-A9128
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Japan Atomic Energy Agency has developed several Japanese voxel phantoms and performed simulations using the developed phantoms mainly for radiation protection purposes. In recent years, the techniques have been applied to other research fields including medical fields. This paper summarizes recent research results concerning the Japanese phantoms. The main conclusions of the results are as follows. First, according to comparison of organ doses in the Japanese voxel phantoms to those in Rex and Regina for external photon exposure, it was confirmed that on average, organ doses are slightly larger for Japanese phantoms because of the difference in body size; however, the difference is very small. Second, organ doses were found to be obviously different between standing and lying postures both in external and internal exposures because of the change in body structures; however, in terms of effective doses, the effect is limited. Third, the alpha version of a dose calculation system for remotely supporting X-ray therapy through the Internet was completed.