Development of licensing requirements for LMFBRs: a reactor designer's view

The framework of rules and regulations for nuclear power plant licensing in the U.S. has been developed and established mainly through the experience in LWR licensing. Because of the important differences in technology and design between LMFBR and LWR plants, development of specific new requirements and criteria and appropriate modification of old ones must be undertaken such that the established licensing regulations can be equally and fairly implemented for commercial LMFBR licensing. The paper presents a broad overview of U.S. licensing rules and regulations and provides a review of licensing criteria, standards and ongoing development effort, with a focus on commercial LMFBR licensing needs. The review results are presented and discussed. In addition, the selection of design basis accidents and the treatment of events beyond Design Base are also reviewed and discussed