Showing papers on "Nuclear power published in 1977"

Flow-Induced Vibration

Abstract: This book focuses on applications for offshore platforms and piping; wind-induced vibration of buildings, bridges, and towers; and acoustic and mechanical vibration of heat exchangers, power lines, and process ducting. Numerous examples drive home the reality of the practical problems encountered here. More than 200 figures and 20 tables complement the text by providing such data as damping factors, lift coefficients, and the formulas needed to apply practical methods directly to a wide range of structures, from heat exchangers to hypersonic aircraft. Devoted to the analysis and prediction of flow-induced vibrations, this volume will prove of immense interest to mechanical, civil, nuclear, marine, structural, and electrical engineers; physicists, designers, and naval architects; and people working in the construction and petroleum industries, power plants, power transmission, ship building, nuclear power, energy production, and defense engineering.

The Disposal of Radioactive Wastes from Fission Reactors

Abstract: This article describes the nature of the wastes produced by nuclear power reactors, evaluates their potential impact on public health and the environment, and outlines current plans to dispose of them in secure underground repositories. Arguments against this mode of disposal are answered. (DLC)

The Distrust of Nuclear Power

Abstract: Society seems content to strike a more moderate or uncertain balance with other technologies than with nuclear power. This attitude is traced to the social history of nuclear power, the genuine uncertainty and complexity of safety issues, underestimation of the regulatory task, and the rancorous nature of the debate. Nuclear power is not just another problem of technology, of environment, or of health. It is unique in our time. To be more demanding of nuclear safety may be to apply a double standard, but not necessarily an irrational one. Our best course appears to be to keep the nuclear option open, work toward the rapid resolution of problems such as waste disposal, but postpone recycling and the breeder reactor. Time is needed to resolve immediate problems such as transport and disposal of nuclear wastes; to come to terms with trans-scientific issues such as plutonium toxicity, sabotage, and weapons proliferation; and to evaluate long-term energy alternatives.

Radiological impact of airborne effluents of coal-fired and nuclear power plants

Abstract: Radiological impact of naturally occurring radionuclides in airborne effluents of a model coal-fired steam plant [1000 MW(e)] is evaluated assuming a release to the atmosphere of 1 percent of the ash In the coal burned and compared with the impact of radioactive materials in the airborne effluents cf model light-water reactors [1000 Mw(e)]. The principal exposure pathway for radioactive materials released from both types of plants is ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. For nuclear plants inversion in the airborne effluents is also a significant factor in the dose commitment. Assuming that the coal burned contains 1 ppm uranium and 2 ppn thorium together with their decay products and using the same impact analysis methods used in evaluating nuclear facilities, the maximum individual dose commitments from the coal plant for the whole body and most organs (except the thyroid) are shown to be greater than those from a pressurized-wat' reactor (FWR) and, with the exception of the bone and kidney doses, less than those from a boiling-water reactor (BWR), With the exception of the bone dose, the maximum individual dose commitments from the coal plant are less than the numerical design guideline limits listed in 10 CFR 50, Appendix I, for light-water reactors (LHRs). Population dose conmtitmentc from the coal plant are higher than those from either nuclear plant, except for the thyroid dose from the boiling-water reactor. The use of coal containing higher uranium concentrations and/or higher particulate releases ( » 1%), characteristic of the present coal-fired power industry, could result in dose commitments from a coal plant several orders of magnitude higher than those estimated in this study. Methods for esti­ mating these higher dose commitments are presented. The study is limited to a comparison of the radiological impacts of airborne effluents from model coal-fired and nuclear power plant 3 and does not compare the total radiological impacts of a coal versus a nuclear economy. It is concluded that an evaluation of the radiological impact on the environment • should be included in the assessment of both coal-fired and nuclear power plants.

The Menace of Atomic Energy

Abstract: In this book, Ralph Nader and John Abbotts replace the myth of nuclear energy with a clear description of the technology and its attendant perils They analyze the performance of the atomic energy industry as it affects workers, consumers, taxpayers, and future generations They take the reader step by step through the political thicket of atomic energy from the local community level to international relations Decisions now being made about nuclear power will have far-reaching effects upon our economy, our institutions, and our freedom Above all, this book emphasizes that such choices must not be left only to experts and politicians This is both a chilling and a hopeful book, one for readers who want to be informed as well as for those who want to get involved It is a book of solutions Alternative energy sources-safer, cheaper-are discussed, as are the efforts of citizens' groups around the country to explore these possibilities For the paperback edition, the authors have revised and expanded the chapter "Challenging Electric Utilities," the list of information sources, and the notes, and have added a chapter detailing new developments

Development of uranium-graphite channel reactors in the USSR

Abstract: Twenty years experience in the development and operation of uranium-graphite channel reactors has confirmed their high reliability, safety, flexibility of cycle, possibility of constant improvement of construction, and the thermal circuit. At the present stage the use of high-power channel reactors successfully solves the most important national economic problem of the intensive accumulation of nuclear power capacity. Channel reactors correspond to contemporary and contemplated trends in power development. Channel reactors give the most complete answer to the modern trend to increase unit power, since there are no technical or transportation limitations on increasing their power. The transition from the construction of the RBMK-1000 to the building of the RBMK-1500 appreciably decreases the specific cost of a NPP. It is particularly important also that this transition requires hardly any increase in the operating staff of the NPP or the builders and manufacturers of equipment. This means that in the transition the productivity of nuclear power production workers is sharply increased.

Nuclear power and public policy

Abstract: The Sixth Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution ''Nuclear Power and the Environment'' recommends that nuclear power not be abandoned but that there should be no commitment to a large nuclear program until all issues have been considered in the light of wide public understanding. The Chairman of the Commission during much of its study on this subject has outlined the factors considered and the conclusions reached with respect to regulatory agencies, radioactive waste disposal, fast breeders, energy strategies and alternatives, sabotage and civil liberties, and arms proliferation.

Nuclear power: Its development in the United Kingdom

Abstract: Historical Studies in the Physical Sciences Volume 7 Edited by Russell McCormmach The first article in this volume, by Tetu Hirosige, is a definitive study of the genesis of Einstein's theory of relativity. Other articles treat topics—theoretical, experimental, philosophical, and institutional—in the history of physics and chemistry from the researches of Laplace and Lavoisier in the 18th century to those of Dirac and Jordan in the 20th century. 489 pages •£ 21.30

Alternative Fuel Cycle Options : Performance Characteristics and Impact on Nuclear Power Growth Potential

Abstract: The fuel utilization characteristics for LWR, SSCR, CANDU and LMFBR reactor concepts are quantified for various fuel cycle options, including once-through cycles, thorium cycles, and denatured cycles The implications of various alternative reactor deployment strategies on the long-term nuclear power growth potential are then quantified in terms of the maximum nuclear capacity that can be achieved and the growth pattern over time, subject to the constraint of a fixed uranium-resource base The overall objective of this study is to shed light on any large differences in the long-term potential that exist between various alternative reactor/fuel cycle deployment strategies

The quality and cost of inferences concerning the effects of nuclear power plants on the environment

Abstract: The analysis of variance is the most common statistical procedure applied to nuclear power plant monitoring data at the present time. Under the assumption that it is appropriate, minimum detectable difference is defined and its relationship with the power of the statistical test is computed. The relationship between station number, replicate number, variance, and minimum detectable difference with power = 0.90 and α = 0.10 for phytoplankton, zooplankton, smelt, and alewives at the Zion Nuclear Power Plant are given.

Remote nuclear green pellet processing apparatus

Abstract: An automated system for manufacturing nuclear fuel pellets for use in nuclear fuel elements of nuclear power reactors. The system comprises process components arranged vertically but not directly under each other within a single enclosure. The vertical-lateral arrangement provides for gravity flow of the product from one component to the next and for vertical removal of each component without interference with the other components. The single enclosure eliminates time consuming transfer between separate enclosures of each component while providing three-sided access to the component through glove ports.

Reactor Fuel Reliability Constraints on Power Shape Control

Abstract: The level of reliability of fuel rods operating in commercial nuclear power plants has been less than desired for a number of reasons. Several of these causes have been successfully minimized, but ...

Some aspects of the fire hazard in nuclear power plants

Abstract: This work is an investigation of fire as a potential threat to the safety of a nuclear power plant. A qualitative description of ignition mechanisms and factors affecting the growth of fire (detection mechanisms, extinguishing efforts, etc.) is presented and an estimate of the frequency of fires in nuclear power plants is given. Variations of the Browns Ferry fire incident are analyzed probabilistically and the results of different models are compared. Finally, the effect of using water to extinguish the fire on the probability of core damage is studied, based on the Browns Ferry actual sequence of events.

Report of the Electrolytic Industries for the Year 1975

Abstract: Data are presented on energy resources and electric power generation in the U.S. The need for federal programs to achieve less dependence on imported petroleum, the role of fossil-fuel, hydro, and nuclear power plants in power generation, and the outlook for power from solid waste combustion, geothermal resources and solar energy are discussed. (LCL)