Nuclear cask testing films misleading and misused
- Audin (Lindsay), Ossining, NY (United States)
In 1977 and 1978, Sandia National Laboratories, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and operated for the US Department of Energy (DOE), filmed a series of crash and fire tests performed on three casks designed to transport irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies. While the tests were performed to assess the applicability of scale and computer modeling techniques to actual accidents, films of them were quickly pressed into service by the DOE and nuclear utilities as ``proof`` to the public of the safety of the casks. In the public debate over the safety of irradiated nuclear fuel transportation, the films have served as the mainstay for the nuclear industry. Although the scripts of all the films were reviewed by USDOE officials before production, they contain numerous misleading concepts and images, and omit significant facts. The shorter versions eliminated qualifying statements contained in the longer version, and created false impressions. This paper discusses factors which cast doubt on the veracity of the films and the results of the tests.
- Research Organization:
- Nevada Nuclear Waste Project Office, Carson City, NV (United States); Audin (Lindsay), Ossining, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG08-85NV10461
- OSTI ID:
- 10161756
- Report Number(s):
- NWPO-TN-012-91; ON: DE92017706
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Oct 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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