Nuclear and radiation safety justification for a nuclear ship under external effects

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper justifies nuclear and radiation safety of nuclear ships in the conditions of external effects and onboard fires. Materials and methods. This paper follows the method of system analysis. Main results. This paper suggests analysis methodology for emergencies aboard nuclear ships due to external effects and onboard fires. Based on this methodology and in compliance with applicable regulations, this paper justifies nuclear and radiation safety of Project 22220 multi-purpose icebreaker and Project 20870 floating NPP. Conclusion. The analysis has shown that ship safety is ensured for all scenarios of non-design emergencies due to external effects. In terms of radiation-related outcomes, worst-case scenarios are non-design emergencies with protective nuclear reactor barriers failing due to ramming by other ship going well above critical speed (5-6 knots), or due to long stranding of icebreaker (floating NPP) on a rocky bank in stormy conditions. In these conditions, unacceptable radiation impact due to release of radioactive substances into the atmosphere or into water may spread by as far as 20-30 km.

Keywords

• emergency
• nuclear ship
• external effects
• nuclear and radiation safety
• nuclear reactor