Evaluation of the sensitivity of reactor risks to uncertainties

The increase in the use of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) in the evaluation of nuclear reactor safety has prompted a need for evaluation of the sensitivity of PRA results to specific uncertainties. This paper discusses results from the evaluation of the sensitivity of reactor risks to uncertainty in the in-vessel steam explosion probability, containment failure pressure, source term release magnitudes, site population density, and interdiction dose criterion. These uncertainties are addressed individually; potential synergistic effects are not considered. Examination of the uncertainties should enhance the use of PRA as applied to the evaluation of nuclear reactor safety