Construction Materials of Active Zones of New Generation Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

The materials of the article consider the analysis of construction materials of active zones of new generation nuclear reactors. The analysis reflects general ideas about the development of reactor technologies: in the 1950s and 1960s, the first generation of reactors was created; in the early 1970s, the operation of industrial reactors began - reactors of the second generation: pressurized water reactors (WWER, PWR), boiling water reactors (RBMK, BWR), heavy water reactors (CANDU), as well as gas-cooled reactors (AGR). Further development of some types of reactors made it possible to create reactors of the third generation in the 1980s. Priority when choosing directions of development in the category of revolutionary projects should have proposals capable of bringing a new quality to solving the problems of the nuclear energy industry of the future. Promising reactors have advantages in economy, safety, reliability and non-proliferation of nuclear materials. The effectiveness and reliability of structural materials are determined by the totality of changes in the characteristics of the materials as a result of the entire complex of phenomena occurring in them in the field of irradiation, in connection with the changing parameters and operating conditions. The use of high-purity metals as initial components of new structural materials and the development or optimization of their smelting technologies should ensure the required level of characteristics and properties of products made from them. The implementation of these concepts should be ensured by the development of new structural materials: ferritic-martensitic and austenitic steels, nickel and other new alloys.