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Abstract The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a multi-purpose neutrino experiment under construction in South China. This paper presents an updated estimate of JUNO’s sensitivity to neutrino mass ordering using the reactor antineutrinos emitted from eight nuclear reactor cores in the Taishan and Yangjiang nuclear power plants. This measurement is planned by studying the fine interference pattern caused by quasi-vacuum oscillations in the oscillated antineutrino spectrum at a baseline of 52.5 km and is completely independent of the CP violating phase and neutrino mixing angleθ23. The sensitivity is obtained through a joint analysis of JUNO and Taishan Antineutrino Observatory (TAO) detectors utilizing the best available knowledge to date about the location and overburden of the JUNO experimental site, local and global nuclear reactors, JUNO and TAO detector responses, expected event rates and spectra of signals and backgrounds, and systematic uncertainties of analysis inputs. We find that a 3σmedian sensitivity to reject the wrong mass ordering hypothesis can be reached with an exposure of about 6.5 years × 26.6 GW thermal power.
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Priorities and Considerations in Advancing the Training of Nuclear Reactor Operators Through Mixed Reality
Nuclear reactor safety is unique in that even after an incident is identified and the reactor shut down, the possibility of damage to people and environment does not stop: there is a long tail to the incident due to decay heat and potential for radiation leakage, which must also be contained properly, as exemplified in Fukushima where most radiation releases happened after initial earthquake and plant shut-down. Nuclear reactors generate close to 20% of the energy required by our nation. There is increasing interest in nuclear power as a low emissions alternative to fossil fuel-based power. Investments in the next generation of nuclear power plants include many nuclear startups such as NuScale and high-profile investments by Bill Gates’ Terra Power. Nuclear reactor operators are critical personnel who operate nuclear reactors, monitor the health of the operation, and are the first line of defense in case of an incident. Though the Nuclear Regulatory Commission creates and maintains standards and procedures for nuclear safety, their programmatic mandate involves are focused on existing technology, in the form of commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials through licensing, inspection and enforcement activities. This report summarizes the collected thoughts and insights from a diverse working group on the intersection of next generation technology with the training of future nuclear reactor operators.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2026540
- PAR ID:
- 10354969
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- American Nuclear Society Winter Meeting and Technology Expo
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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