Incorporation of Robotics into an Improved System Design Methodology for Optimization of Occuational Radiation Protection, Dissertation Proposal Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Texas at Austin.

摘要

There are a number of processes that must be performed in hazardous environments. Tasks that are deemed too hazardous for workers require the use of automation, robotics, and/or other remote handling tools. Based on the different levels of exposure during a process and the trade-offs between human and robotic labor, a design may utilize both types of workers. In accordance with ALARA goals, radiation protection should be optimized during the design process. A crucial step in this process is the generation of all feasible options for dose reduction. Options that utilize traditional nuclear design principles such as time, distance, and shielding are familiar and typically intuitive to most nuclear engineers. However, lack of experience can be an issue when trying to determine if and what feasible automation/robotics options exist. Furthermore, relevant radiological protection factors (such as collective dose and protection cost) must be selected and evaluated to compare options. In the case of options utilizing automation/robotics, it is not entirely clear what relevant factors should be considered and how to evaluate their performance. The level of automation and/or type of robotic system clearly has an influence on cost, dose, work hazards, and operations, among others. Quantitative and qualitative criteria and non-radiological factors need to be addressed. Thus, where remote handling is needed, successful design synthesis requires an understanding of what automated capabilities can and should be implemented for a particular process and environment.