Structural Materials and Code Development for Japanese Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors

Abstract

This paper describes the latest status on the development of elevated temperature materials and structural codes for Japanese sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). Based on the extensive research and development activities in the last decades in Japan, two materials, 316FR and Modified 9Cr-1Mo steels were recently incorporated into the 2012 Edition of Fast Reactor Design and Construction Code of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME). Structural design methodologies are continuously being improved towards the next major revision planed in 2016 Edition where methodologies for a 60-year design of Japanese demonstration fast reactor will be provided. Codes and guidelines for fitness-for-service, leak-before-break evaluation and reliability assessment are concurrently being developed utilizing the System Based Code concept aiming at establishing an integrated code system that encompasses a life cycle of SFRs. Paper published with permission.