Performance and Reliability of Metallic Materials for Nuclear Fission Power Generation

In this research programme we will address fundamental research challenges for the long-term performance and stability of materials for nuclear fission power plant. The lifetime of power plant components is limited because of limits in their endurance under exposure to high temperatures, high loads, radiation, and the effects of cycling of load and temperature; there are issues related to corrosion that are exacerbated by applied stresses and residual stresses in materials; and the high neutron radiation flux in the core of the reactor generates progressive damage that must be understood if we are to be able to design new materials for future reactor systems with improved lifetimes and efficient use of nuclear fuel. This research programme will underpin the development of the nuclear fission power generation systems of the future.Metallic systems used in nuclear reactors range from pressure vessel steels to fuel cladding tubes to stainless steels used in the heat exchangers. The particular operating conditions for each component are unique and require carefully tailored materials properties. There are significant challenges in enhancing materials performance for operations at higher temperatures for longer lifetimes, and we have to improve our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms by which materials degrade and by which damage develops in nuclear reactors and their associated high-temperature plant.We will address fundamental research problems in improving the long-term performance of materials for nuclear plant exposed to service conditions of high temperatures, high neutron radiation fluences and complex load histories. The critical research challenges that arise for materials performance under these conditions are Materials Stability and Degradation and State Monitoring of Materials . We propose to address them through a broad collaborative programme incorporating the leading UK university groups and our wide network of external partners.The research programme is targeted mainly at the theme of Long term materials behaviour , but with a significant contribution in the area of fuel cladding materials . We have integrated work in these two areas because there is significant commonality in the research methodology (experimental and modelling) required for the study of the different metallic systems and because of our experience of the significant benefits that flow from maintaining close relationships with other nuclear research programmes in partner institutions.From our previous track record, we confidently expect a high degree of gearing as the work of the new consortium will complement and bring together our existing individual programmes, funded by industry and the Research Councils. In addition to delivering new research outputs and a cohort of trained researchers, this will place us in a strong position to respond effectively and in a coordinated manner to future funding opportunities from industry, the EU and the wider international nuclear community.

This proposal will provide significant impact for the nuclear materials research sector, academic and industrial, through: - a coherent programme of research into the performance and reliability of nuclear materials; - the provision of a trained body of new researchers at a time of dramatic growth for the UK nuclear sector; - the strengthening and development of effective collaborations between University and industrial partners, including direct transfer of technical skills; - opportunities for leveraging additional funding for fission research, especially from the EU and other sources external to the UK. The applicant team have exceptionally strong collaborative links, and a proven track record of excellence in nuclear materials. Our proposed programme will create a new UK network that expands on the Materials work package of the original KNOO programme in this area through inclusion of (a) new University groups and (b) explicit working collaborations with a wider range of key industrial partners. The integration of the research within the consortium spans research topics, methods and types of material. The partners will work together collaboratively to bring maximum impact from the expertise and capability that is embedded in the consortium. The programme will also create a platform for hugely expanding our collaboration with international partners - opening up access to facilities not available in the UK and to industrial and academic expertise of significant value for the wider UK community. The impact that will be delivered therefore goes beyond the traditional knowledge generation and publication generation, to an improvement in the profile, capability and capacity of the UK's nuclear materials research effort. Therefore an important contribution to impact for the consortium will be in contributing to the restoration of the international profile of the UK as a research leader in the development of nuclear power technologies and the necessary underpinning science. Only by succeeding in this challenge will we be invited to work in partnership with groups in France, the USA and India where the research infrastructure has been sustained for many decades or where there is new funding for activity in nuclear science and technology. Furthermore, as the new nuclear build programme accelerates, and there is increasing investment in this field in Europe and the UK, it is extremely important that the UK is able to demonstrate a mature research capability so that new-build companies will invest confidently in a UK research base rather than relying on offshore sites for research and skills development.