Chapter 19 - Nuclear safety research

Abstract

Nuclear safety research has been explained in this chapter. These activities have been supported by a significant research effort. Research can be made on reactivity accidents. The safety research budget based on worldwide basis is increasing day-by-day. During the period of high investment, the cost of the safety research in terms of nuclear energy production has been only a few units. The majority of accident situations studied is extremely rare. They are even beyond any practical possibility of happening. These situations can be reproduced in laboratories or in experimental facilities, sometimes on a large scale. There are numerous subjects, which can be considered by safety research. In transients and accidents, reactor physics plays a vital role. To severe accidents, physical phenomena are specific. Safety systems are of advanced type. These systems include primary system depressurization and containment of molten masses on the containment floor. Probabilistic methods are used for safety studies. Research on advanced concepts can be made for the future reactors.