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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
R. Schleicher, A. R. Raffray, C. P. Wong
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 823-827
Chamber Technology | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963341
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The He Brayton cycle appears to be the best near-term power conversion method for maximizing the economic potential of fusion. Key factors affecting the Brayton cycle efficiency includes the turbine inlet temperature, compressor and turbine adiabatic efficiencies, recuperator effectiveness and cycle fractional pressure loss. The compression ratio is also important because for fusion conditions, structural and turbomachinery limitations often prevent use of an optimum value. This paper examines in detail these parameters and proposes near-term values for fusion power plant studies based on existing products and test results, current knowledge, and, if justified, reasonable extrapolation.