THEORETICAL POSSIBILITIES AMD CONSEQUENCES OF MAJOR ACCIDENTS IN URGE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

摘要

It might be supposed, because the essential fuel in a nuclear power reactor is the same as that in atomic bombs, that gross malfunctioning in power reactors could possibly lead to a devastating explosion similar to those produced by A-bombs. Such is not the case. Under no conceivable circumstances can accidental nuclear explosions in power reactors cause significant direct public damage beyond the boundaries of the exclusion areas around such installations.nThere could be explosive nuclear energy releases in power reactors, or chemical or physical energy releases from components or auxiliary systems, sufficient in magnitude to destroy the re¬actor, possibly break the various containment structures within which it is housed and wreck the auxiliary machinery. Such an accident would constitute a real threat to the life of personnel within the facility and could result in complete loss of the ex¬pensive installation. Nevertheless, little hazard to the general public would ensue from the explosion itself.