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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.
Ronald F. Kulak
Nuclear Technology | Volume 51 | Number 3 | December 1980 | Pages 414-420
Technical Paper | Mechanics Applications to Fast Breeder Reactor Safety / Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT80-A32577
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This paper assesses the structural dynamics of the deck structure and the resulting loading on the deck supports of a pool-type liquid-metal fast breeder reactor during a hypothetical core disruptive accident. During this hypothetical accident. the sodium above the core is considered to be propelled upward until it impacts against the deck structure. This hydrodynamic loading could produce structural damage and sodium leak paths. The deck is a three-dimensional composite structure of beams, plates, and concrete fill. It is supported at its outer periphery by the surrounding concrete foundation. The deck provides top closure of the main tank and support for the intermediate heat exchangers, primary pumps, rotating plugs, and primary and secondary tanks. A finite element model is used to study the deck dynamics during slug impact. The structural stiffening effect of the concrete fill is assessed, and results are given for deck displacement and velocity histories and deck support column reaction forces.