Author Question: Why is it so important to model the possible mechanisms of failure in nuclear reactors? Explain why. ... (Read 39 times)

leilurhhh · **on:** Jul 28, 2018

Why is it so important to model the possible mechanisms of failure in nuclear reactors? Explain why.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

In 1972 (see Figure 8.9 b), the screening curve differs from that from 1991 (the last year this information was readily available, Fig. 8.15).

a. In 1972, what was the cheapest option for producing energy needed for 4000 hours peryear? Explain.
b. Ignoring hydroelectricity, what was the cheapest option for producing energy needed for4000 hours per year in 1991? Explain.
c. In 1972, what was the cheapest option for producing energy needed for 7000 hours peryear? Explain.
d. Ignoring hydroelectricity, what was the cheapest option for producing energy needed for
7000 hours per year in 1991? Explain.

blakeserpa · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Any technology that is complex, such as found in nuclear power stations, can fail
in interesting ways. There are so many pieces that must work correctly together that it is
easy to se that failure of one aspect will have effects, but with so many parts, some of them
will be hard to anticipate. The fault tree and event tree analyses are important because they
try to trace forward from any problem in the system to see what effects could occur and
back from certain consequences to see what problems could have caused the outcomes.
Computer models can be much more thorough than human beings at following
consequences. These models are essential, though they are limited by the code writtenif
something is left out or something that is put in is incorrect physically, the code could
mislead as well. It is important that as many physical principles as possible be used in
assembling the models.

Answer to Question 2

In the first printing of the third edition, the 1991 figure (Fig. 8.15) was omitted. It
is reproduced below.