Analytical and numerical study for selecting polymeric matrix composites intended to nuclear applications

Abstract

This study describes a methodological proposal to select composite materials which are suitable to be employed to manufacture pipes that can properly withstand environments subjected to gamma and neutronic radiation. The methodology is used to select, among many others, the optimal composite material whose properties are used afterwards to simulate several pipe sections by finite element analysis, comparing the results with a well-known nuclear-grade steel, WWER 15Kh2MFAA. The most suitable composite material according to the defined criteria is composed of a phenolic resin matrix reinforced with long boron fibres and exhibit great properties to be used in a nuclear reactor environment: good radiation resistance and mechanical properties with a very low density at low cost. It can be concluded that, in some cases, composite material pipes can be a better option than steel ones. Extending the method to be employed in other industries or with other components could be seen as future works.

Prediction of Physical and Mechanical Properties for Metallic Materials Selection Using Big Data and Artificial Neural Networks

“…The distribution is very irregular as the number of samples exceeds the number of elements. Three remarkable ranges appear: (7,8], which includes ferrous materials; (2,3], which includes aluminium alloys; and (8,9], which includes, among others, brass (Cu + Zn). For these elements, the dataset contains a larger number of samples as they are broadly used materials.…”

“…Even the most basic information may not be accessible or available, especially when dealing with infrequent, recently developed or the latest technology materials. However, the industry demands that our designs should be taken to their limits, which implies increased use of technological materials [3].…”

Analysis of the Technological Evolution of Materials Requirements Included in Reactor Pressure Vessel Manufacturing Codes

“…Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels play a critical role in the operation safety of any nuclear power plant. Within a nuclear power plant, there are many components made of steel, such as pipes or high-pressure vessels, in areas subjected to radiation [12,13]. Thus, from this perspective, the most important structural component of a nuclear power plant is the RPV, which is constructed primarily from ferritic steels that have to meet specific requirements in terms of impurity contents [14,15].…”