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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 Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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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.
W. R. Martini, P. Riggle, L. T. Harmison
Nuclear Technology | Volume 13 | Number 2 | February 1972 | Pages 194-208
Technical Paper | Radioisotope | doi.org/10.13182/NT72-A31054
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Steady improvements have been made through five systems for operating an artificial heart with a Stirling engine that will be heated by a radioisotope or by an electric heater which receives power from a transcutaneous transformer. A thermal storage reservoir assists in supplying peak power demands. The engine regenerator, a primary component, was substantially improved by changing from a porous to a hollow regenerator. Engine efficiency was doubled. The current engine, using a hot flexural support at the engine, a bellows-sealed lower support, a drive piston, and a flywheel for continuity of regenerator motion, has been quite successful. Potential reductions in size and isotope requirement are discussed. The computed dose rate for the system is also given. Development is continuing toward a reliable realistically sized artificial heart with reasonable power demands.