Approach to the Successful Design of a Minicomputer System for Nuclear Materials Management

摘要

A development laboratory to study nuclear fuel fabrication techniques is in operation at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL). To assist operators in the management of nuclear materials in this laboratory, a minicomputer system (INMACS) has been designed and installed. INMACS is implemented on a PDP-11 with a RSTS/E operating system. A data base management package with on-line backup capability has been developed for this application. Fifteen man-years of effort have been spent on designing and building the system. This paper will discuss the philosophy and the design approach followed for the implementation of INMACS. Clear problem definition and careful system design, effective liaison with the users, detailed program specifications, proper co-ordination of the software development effort, and thorough testing of the integrated system, have all contributed to the achievement of the design goals. INMACS has been readily accepted by the users who were previously not conversant with computers. After eight months of operation, no program changes have been necessary and the system has been performing successfully as specified. (Atomindex citation 10:491550)