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Science and engineering museums must leverage a variety of pedagogical strategies to facilitate STEM learning for a public audience. Complex, abstract concepts such as reliability engineering and risk analysis are difficult to convey in a technical manner to non-technical visitors without losing fidelity. Techniques such as exhibit interactivity, open-ended tinkering, and competitive games are frequently used to hold visitors’ attention and draw analogies to more familiar concepts. Reliability engineering principles are vital to the growth and continued safety of the nuclear energy industry. General knowledge of risk as it applies to nuclear energy can be expanded by disseminating this information to the public via engaging educational content. In this paper, we present the design of an interactive, game-based museum exhibit developed through iterative collaboration between exhibit designers and reliability engineering researchers at the University of Maryland, curators at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History (Nuclear Museum), and media design students and faculty at the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). Museum visitors have frequently asked how the risks of nuclear power compare to other energy sources, and to date, no museum exhibit at the Nuclear Museum has answered this question. This work presents examples of museum exhibit content, artifacts, and graphics to convey concepts in probabilistic risk assessment at a level accessible to the general public. In addition to the physical exhibit installation, the game will also be available on the public-facing museum website to increase the breadth of outreach. Finally, a proposed questionnaire method for evaluating exhibit efficacy and public engagement is presented. Feedback obtained will allow for periodic revisions of exhibit content. 

Existing natural gas pipelines can facilitate low-cost, large-scale hydrogen transportation and storage, but hydrogen may entail safety challenges. These challenges stem from hydrogen’s different properties compared to natural gas, such as higher ignition probability, different flame behavior, and potential for hydrogen embrittlement. Although risk assessments for hydrogen pipelines are increasing, the impact of hydrogen on the risk of third-party excavation damage (TPD), the major cause of pipeline incidents in the U.S., has received little attention. This work presents the SHyTERP model for Safe Hydrogen Transportation and Excavation Risk Prevention for Pipelines. The model incorporates causal models, excavation damage and pipeline failure statistics, and validated physical models of hydrogen and natural gas release and jet flame behavior. Through four case studies, the model compares the TPD risks of hydrogen and natural gas pipelines, offering insights and recommendations for the safe implementation of hydrogen in existing pipelines.