Materials Science & Technology: Research and Challenges in Nuclear Fission Power

Abstract

The performance and integrity of structural and functional materials are key issues in the safety and competitiveness of current and future nuclear fission reactors being developed for sustainable nuclear energy applications. The challenges towards development of nuclear structural materials arise due to the demanding hostile environments with respect to radiation, temperature, stress, etc., and requirements of total reliability and high performance over the long service life (say 60 years). A successful materials science research programme in nuclear industry has to take into account these challenges to improve the performance of materials and components in the emerging scenario of extending life of existing plants and realizing advanced reactors. In this study, material challenges associated with water reactors and fast breeder reactors (FBR) with focus on short-term and long-term strategies for materials development are considered. The materials in the existing and proposed future nuclear fission reactors are summarized along with a description of major material degradation mechanisms in different environments. The priority in the nuclear industry is to extend the life of reactors with robust safety features and sufficient cost-effectiveness, beyond forty to sixty years and from sixty to even one hundred years. The importance of modelling and developing predictive tools to estimate materials behaviour for effective computing of lifetime of nuclear reactor components is fast developing to cut down cost and time and also to enhance safety and confidence in existing and new systems. The future FBR technology relies heavily on advanced waste management and effective proliferation resistance. We review advanced reactor concepts of Generation IV forum and the new materials and technologies. Nuclear energy is not the right option for every country. Careful examination of the energy basket and commitment over a long period with effective mechanisms of safety governance is the key to make a decision to harness large amounts of nuclear energy. China, France, India, Russia, USA,UK, etc. are extremely committed to use large amounts of nuclear energy. Japan after the Fukushima accident, faces a challenge of public acceptance though the country has deep and rich expertise in nuclear technology and it is advantageous to produce low carbon power, on a sustained competitive basis from nuclear energy.