Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1728538 Annals of Nuclear Energy 2013 8 Pages PDF
Abstract

Requirements related to licensing and regulation submittals for US commercial nuclear reactors were originally based on what was believed to be the most problematic accident scenarios, conservative safety limits and prescribed analysis methods. However, by the 1980s the large database of experimental and analytical research, and actual reactor operation indicated the initial strongly conservative approach was somewhat misdirected and sometimes even gave non-conservative results. Accordingly, an increasing motivation existed to develop a safety analysis strategy that reflected risk based licensing principals. The first successful advancement of such an approach was embedded in the Code Scaling Applicability and Uncertainty, and Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table methodologies developed by the Research, and accepted by Regulation arms of the USNRC. This strategy is commonly termed the Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty methodology. A historical perspective of the original Code Scaling Applicability and Uncertainty, and Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table processes is provided, as is description of the subsequent improvements through 2010 in Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty methodologies.

► A historical perspective of nuclear reactor licensing requirements is presented. ► The need and advantage of Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty licensing is identified. ► The United States Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty proof-of-concept is described. ► Typical International approaches to Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty are referenced. ► Potential Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty contribution to risk based licensing.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Energy Engineering and Power Technology
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