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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 R. DiStefano, James W. Hendricks
Nuclear Technology | Volume 110 | Number 1 | April 1995 | Pages 145-158
Material | Burnup Credit | doi.org/10.13182/NT95-A35103
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The materials Nb-1 Zr and Nb-1 Zr-0.1 C (PWC-11) are candidate structural materials for compact lithium-cooled reactor systems for space applications. Because the mechanical and corrosion properties of niobium alloys can be significantly altered by oxygen, components must be protected from reactions with oxygen during ground testing. The effect of simultaneous oxidation/ corrosion behavior in lithium was determined under several conditions, as well as the conditions under which a thin molybdenum coating was effective in preventing oxidation/corrosion. The effects of oxygen can be mitigated by its reaction with zirconium, and studies were also conducted to evaluate time-temperature relationships for this reaction.
