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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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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.
James M. Broughton, Pui Kuan, David A. Petti, and, E. L. Tolman
Nuclear Technology | Volume 87 | Number 1 | August 1989 | Pages 34-53
Plenary Paper | TMI-2: Materials Behavior / Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A27637
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The primary objective of the U.S. Department of Energy Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) research program, conducted by the EG&G Idaho TMI-2 Accident Evaluation Program, is to develop a comprehensive and consistent understanding of the TMI-2 accident. The accident scenario developed from this research is presented, including information relative to (a) the progression of core damage leading to a consolidated region of partially molten core material, (b) continued heatup of this consolidated region leading to extensive melting of the core, (c) failure of the supporting crust encasing the molten core material and relocation of 15 to 20 tonnes of molten core material into upper and lower core support assemblies and the lower plenum, and (d) interaction of molten core material with coolant and support structures in the lower plenum. Fission product release from fuel during the accident is also discussed.
