Physical Systems for Regulatory Investigation: Part Ⅰ Logical Organization of Observation and Reason

摘要

This paper reviews the historical and contemporary precedence regarding the development of knowledge, its reformulation in computer codes, and subsequent application in decision-making. It highlights the practical challenges of this process as it applies to the investigation of engineered systems to deliver on both promised benefits and protection from postulated failures. The evolution of the nuclear thermal-hydraulics knowledge base, its capture in the RELAP series of computer analysis codes, and its use in nuclear power plant licensing is presented as a specific example. It concludes that completeness and consistency are fundamentally unattainable; however, useful outcomes are possible and well documented.