- #1
M Usman
Please
Kindly porvide information about the failure of nuclear reactors materials
Kindly porvide information about the failure of nuclear reactors materials
Failures of Nuclear Reactors Materials
- Thread starter M Usman
- Start date
In summary, the failure of nuclear reactors materials can occur under various conditions such as extreme heat and exposure to radiation. Common problems include fatigue, corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and erosion. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society holds a conference on environmental degradation of nuclear materials. Materials can also change when exposed to radiation, becoming more brittle or softer. This can affect the selection of materials for certain components in nuclear plants. The ductile to brittle transition temperature is raised in iron metals when exposed to neutron flux, which can lead to failures similar to ceramics. This issue is minimized in Candu reactors through certain procedures. The name Homer Simpson appearing in this conversation about nuclear failures is coincidental, as there are multiple people named Homer Simpson.
- #2
Astronuc
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Under what conditions?M Usman said:
Materials in TMI-2 melted, but that was under extremely unusual conditions where the normal heat transfer mechanism was removed.
Under normal circumstances, the main problems are fatigue, 'normal' corrosion, intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC), irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC), and erosion/corrosion. I don't believe there has been any strain-to-failure, and overload failures are usually preceeded by one of the corrosion/fatigue mechanisms mentioned.
The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) has a special symposium devoted to environmental degradation of nuclear materials - Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Systems-Water Reactors. If possible try to locate the proceedings of this conference - the 12th (August 2005) is mentioned here http://www.tms.org/Meetings/Specialty/ED2005/home.html
- #3
Homer Simpson
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Many materials change when in sitting in ionizing radiation/neutrons for a while.
Many plastics will become more brittle, others will become softer. Soap based greases will become more fluid like. Oils will become more viscous and gummy. Rubber loses strength. Plexiglass, styrofoam, teflon, nylon: all this type of stuff is majorly effected.
This makes selecting materials such as valve diaphrams or plastic solenoid valve internals very important.
Ductile to brittle transition temp raises when iron metels are subjected to neutron flux, meaning although the metal gains a higher ultimate strength, when it fails it will fail more like ceramics than soft metal. Also 'creep' effect is increased (tubes under pressure will elongate). This can be a major irritation for nuke plants.
Many plastics will become more brittle, others will become softer. Soap based greases will become more fluid like. Oils will become more viscous and gummy. Rubber loses strength. Plexiglass, styrofoam, teflon, nylon: all this type of stuff is majorly effected.
This makes selecting materials such as valve diaphrams or plastic solenoid valve internals very important.
Ductile to brittle transition temp raises when iron metels are subjected to neutron flux, meaning although the metal gains a higher ultimate strength, when it fails it will fail more like ceramics than soft metal. Also 'creep' effect is increased (tubes under pressure will elongate). This can be a major irritation for nuke plants.
- #4
Astronuc
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As well as DHC, which hopefully today is not the problem it was.Homer Simpson said:
- #5
Homer Simpson
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For Candu's, probablility of DHC with the zirconium pressure tubes is minimized procedurally by moving through the 100-200 celcius range without delay on run up/run down. Above this temp the hyrogen goes into solution with the Zr, and as far as I understand, DHC will not occur. As well, it is shown that the pt's will leak before break, so early warning is seen, not to mention extensive inspection on shutdown. All this info is available publicly on the canteach.candu website, a great collection of info.
- #6
quantumdude
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*chuckle*
Sorry, I just think it's really funny that the name "Homer Simpson" appears in a thread about failures of nuclear reactors.
Carry on...
Sorry, I just think it's really funny that the name "Homer Simpson" appears in a thread about failures of nuclear reactors.
Carry on...
- #7
Astronuc
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Yeah, I had the same reaction.
- #8
Homer Simpson
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It's pronounced 'nucular'. Nucular.
- #9
russ_watters
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So, does that make you a nucular safety inspector, Homer?
- #10
Homer Simpson
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Nope, I can only aspire to that level of greatness. My job title is valve turner and ticky box checker. I am also skill broadened in the area of Sump Level Maintenance.
- #11
Paulanddiw
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Merry Christmas, Homer. I'm glad to see that you work at a nuclear power plant.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year.
- #12
Averagesupernova
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Not sure if it's just a joke, but OUR Homer Simpson also lives in a place called Springfield.
- #13
Homer Simpson
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Merry Christmas and happy new year to You! Thanks.
BTW:
He's OUR Homer Simpson! Eh!
http://ccr.ptbcanadian.com/simpsons/
BTW:
He's OUR Homer Simpson! Eh!
http://ccr.ptbcanadian.com/simpsons/
Last edited by a moderator:
- #14
Averagesupernova
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"OUR" meaning the Homer that frequents physicsforums of course.
Related to Failures of Nuclear Reactors Materials
1. What are some common causes of failures in nuclear reactor materials?
Some common causes of failures in nuclear reactor materials include corrosion, fatigue, and irradiation damage. Corrosion can occur due to the exposure of materials to high temperatures and corrosive chemicals. Fatigue is caused by repetitive stress and can lead to cracks and fractures in materials. Irradiation damage is caused by the bombardment of materials with high-energy particles, which can cause changes in the material's structure and properties.
2. How do scientists prevent failures in nuclear reactor materials?
Scientists prevent failures in nuclear reactor materials by carefully selecting and testing materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of a nuclear reactor. They also regularly monitor and inspect materials for any signs of degradation and make repairs or replacements as needed. Additionally, scientists continue to research and develop new materials that are more resistant to the effects of radiation and other stressors.
3. What are the potential consequences of a failure in nuclear reactor materials?
The potential consequences of a failure in nuclear reactor materials can range from minor disruptions to serious accidents. Minor failures can result in short-term shutdowns and repairs, while more serious failures can lead to radiation leaks and potentially harmful exposure to workers and the surrounding environment. In extreme cases, a failure can lead to a nuclear meltdown, which can have catastrophic consequences.
4. How do scientists monitor the condition of nuclear reactor materials?
Scientists use a variety of techniques to monitor the condition of nuclear reactor materials. This can include non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing, as well as visual inspections and measurements of material properties. They also use advanced sensors and monitoring systems to continuously track changes in material conditions and detect any potential issues before they become failures.
5. What steps are taken to mitigate failures in nuclear reactor materials?
To mitigate failures in nuclear reactor materials, scientists and engineers follow strict design and construction standards, conduct thorough testing and inspections, and implement regular maintenance and monitoring programs. They also have emergency response plans in place to quickly address any failures that may occur and minimize their impact. In addition, lessons learned from past failures are studied and used to improve future designs and prevent similar failures from happening again.
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