[Solved] 1. Briefly identify the design issues lead to and contributed to the consequences of the nuclear accidents at: Three mile

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[Solved] 1. Briefly identify the design issues lead to and contributed to the consequences of the nuclear accidents at: Three mile island, Chernobyl and Fukushima, identifying the root causes of accidents and any common failure modes

From the introduction of nuclear power generation for civil energy production there has been a strong awareness of the potential hazards of both nuclear criticality and potential release of radioactive materials through generating electricity by nuclear power. As with all other power generating industries, the design and operation of nuclear power plants aims to minimise the likelihood of accidents, and avoid major human consequences when these occur. 

To date, there have been three major reactor accidents in the history of civil nuclear power - Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima. One was contained without harm to anyone, the next involved an intense fire without provision for containment, and the third severely tested the containment, allowing the release of radioactivity. However fortunately these are the only major accidents to have occurred in over 15,000 cumulative reactor-years of commercial nuclear power operation in 33 countries. Evidence over six decades shows that nuclear power is a safe means of generating electricity. The risk of accidents in nuclear power plants is low and declining. The consequences of an accident or terrorist attack are minimal compared with other commonly accepted risks. Radiological effects on people of any radioactive releases can be avoided

Assignment Brief:

This Nuclear System’s coursework is to produce a concise report, which outlines the root the cause and effect of these major accidents, the lessons learnt, and recommendations for future safety. 

Where possible I would like you to cover the following issues within the report:

1. Briefly identify the design issues lead to and contributed to the consequences of the nuclear accidents at: Three mile island, Chernobyl and Fukushima, identifying the root causes of accidents and any common failure modes
2. Outline any human errors and interventions which led to the occurrence of these accidents and understand contribution of human failure
3. Appreciate how accidents have shaped our approach to nuclear safety and design

This article should be a maximum of four A4 pages and Figures & Tables are welcomed within the text. All References should be identified and should be included within the page count. The report should give a succinct but detailed account with roughly an A4 page dedicated to each accident, and a brief summary of the key findings at the start and the recommendations for future safety to conclude. This is considered as a medium coursework assignment, and as so I am not expecting a chronologically account of each accident, moreover a factually based overview which identify the key facts, effects and recommendations.