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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.
B. H. Kim, S. M. Jun, J. S. Kim, K. S. Lim, J. L. Kim
Nuclear Technology | Volume 168 | Number 2 | November 2009 | Pages 349-353
Neutron Measurements | Special Issue on the 11th International Conference on Radiation Shielding and the 15th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (Part 2) / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT09-A9207
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Thermal neutron calibration fields are under preparation using a graphite pile and eight americium-beryllium neutron sources at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). Eight Am-Be sources, of [approximately]37 GBq each, are located in a 1.5- × 1.5- × 1.5-m3 graphite pile that has four neutron source mounting geometries to make different intensities at the reference irradiation positions. At this time two kinds of neutron calibration fields are categorized according to the position of the neutron sources in the graphite pile. These neutron fields were simulated by using the MCNPX code and quantified experimentally by using the Bonner sphere spectrometry system of KAERI. The neutrons of a low energy below the Cd cutoff energy of 0.5 eV were 68.6 and 95.9% of the total neutron fluence, respectively. The ambient dose equivalent rates H*(10) were 30.6 and 167 Svh-1 , and the personal dose equivalent rates Hp(10) were 31.7 and 174 Svh-1 . These can be used to determine the response of thermal neutron measuring devices.