Structural integrity of fast reactor components

Abstract

The paper focuses on the generic aspects of the main structural integrity issues in the liquid-sodium-cooled fast reactor. The choice of sodium as a coolant has important consequences for the deformation and failure process in the materials used for the main plant components. For example, its high boiling point means that the prim ary and secondary circuit containment operates at ambient pressure and the system loading is dominated by thermal stress. The resultant low primary stresses make leak-before-break a viable integrity criterion for all sodium boundary components. Sodium coolant operates at comparatively high temperatures and this, together with the good heat-transfer properties, means that thermal fatigue and creep are of concern, particularly in the hotter parts of the plant. A third factor concerns the steam generators, where the integrity of the sodium—water boundary is particularly important. The paper will consider the failure processes that must be addressed in relation to these conditions and the development of the integrity assessment arguments.