Nuclear materials II

Objectives
To provide students with a comprehensive treatment of the degradation mechanisms corrosion and embrittlement of materials in a nuclear environment
List of topics
  • corrosion phenomena: description and occurrence
  • electrochemical and chemical study of corrosion problems: basic equations, user diagrams and practical examples
  • detailed study of frequent corrosion types: setting and context, explanation, influences of the environment and material properties
  • effects of radiation on corrosion (irradiation assisted corrosion)
  • corrosion problems in nuclear reactors: material behaviour and material requirements, technological aspects and environment-sensitive damage, with emphasis on light water reactors, in general, and the steam generators, in particular
  • advanced treatment of irradiation effects on materials: radiation damage on a microscopic level of crystalline materials

References
Trethewey, K.R. & J. Chamberlain ,Corrosion for Science and Engineering, 2-nd Ed., Longman, Harlow Essex (UK), 1995
Benjamin, M., Nuclear Reactor Materials and Applications, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1983
Glasstone, S. & A. Sesonske, Nuclear Reactor Engineering, 4-th Ed, Vol 1, Chapman & Hall, New York, 1994 (Chapter 7: Reactor Materials, pp 406-462)

Amplitude and teaching methods:
  • 1 t.m.
  • Visits to SCK•CEN laboratories (especially hot cells)