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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.
Kenneth A. Van Riper
Nuclear Technology | Volume 168 | Number 3 | December 2009 | Pages 848-851
MC Calculations | Special Issue on the 11th International Conference on Radiation Shielding and the 15th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (PART 3) / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT09-A9317
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
We have added a source definition component to the Moritz geometry editing and display program. Gamma line emission can be imported from a library based on the Brookhaven National Laboratory Nuclear Data Center. The user can select one or more isotopes from a tree view list. The abundances can be corrected for radioactive decay between two times. The line emission is then converted to MCNP SDEF format. Tabulated data, such as an X-ray tube spectrum, can be read and converted to MCNP format. Interactive tools are available for defining source volumes, direction, cone source opening angle, and bias direction; these items can be shown together with the geometry. All source definition items can be entered exactly in dialog fields. Source definitions can be read from existing input files. The tools will expedite and verify source definition and ensure accuracy and do not require knowledge of the MCNP SDEF syntax.