SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 09 February 2018
STP87019850029

Methods for Extending Life of a Pressurized Water Reactor Vessel After Long-Term Exposure to Fast Neutron Radiation

Source

Numerous steps have been taken by the Carolina Power & Light Company to assure the safety of its H. B. Robinson Unit 2 reactor vessel in the event that pressurized thermal shock should occur. Included is a phenomenological study of radiation damage underway that combines statistical modeling with atomic arrangements as determined by a field ion microprobe.

The field ion microprobe is being used to determine the atomic arrangement of nickel relative to copper in a high copper, medium nickel weld, irradiated to 4.1 × 1019 neutrons (n)/cm2 > 1 MeV and a medium copper, high nickel weld, irradiated to 2 × 1019 n/cm2.

Statistical modeling has determined that manganese is a significant factor in the increase in yield strength during irradiation. Its distribution in relation to carbon and nitrogen and other atoms is included in the field ion microprobe investigation.

Core redesign for flux reduction and advanced neutron dosimetry methods also are described.

Author Information

Grant, Samuel, P.
Carolina Power & Light Company, Raleigh, NC, US
Earp, Sam, L.
Department of Electrical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
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Details
Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 1027–1045
DOI: 10.1520/STP87019850029
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7679-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0592-8