2018-2019 / GENU2002-1

Advanced nuclear materials

Durée

28,5h Th, 3h Pr

Nombre de crédits

 Master de spécialisation en génie nucléaire3 crédits  

Enseignant

Marc Scibetta

Langue(s) de l'unité d'enseignement

Langue anglaise

Organisation et évaluation

Enseignement au deuxième quadrimestre

Horaire

Horaire en ligne

Unités d'enseignement prérequises et corequises

Les unités prérequises ou corequises sont présentées au sein de chaque programme

Contenus de l'unité d'enseignement

The ex cathedra part of the course covers the following main topics:

  • Corrosion phenomena: description and occurrence
  • Electrochemical and chemical study of corrosion problems: basic equations, user diagrams and practical examples
  • Detailed study of frequently occurring corrosion types (e.g. pitting, IGA, SCC, ...): setting
    and context, explanation, influences of the environment and material properties
  • Methods of corrosion prevention and protection (design aspects, coatings, water treatment and inhibitors, electrochemical methods)
  • Effects of radiation on corrosion (e.g., irradiation assisted corrosion)
  • Corrosion problems in nuclear reactors: material behaviour and material requirements, technological aspects and environment-sensitive damage, with emphasis on light water reactors, in general, and steam generators, in particular
  • Reactor pressure vessel life management: material degradation issues, legal context, advanced analysis and mitigation
  • Fuel cladding and stainless steel degradation under irradiation
  • Advanced treatment of irradiation effects in materials: radiation damage mechanisms at microscopic level
Some of these topics are further elaborated during seminars and visits to the SCK*CEN laboratories (incl. hot cells).

  • Basic measurements: source strength, neutron flux (activation analysis, neutron counting), neutron spectrum (time of flight methods, unfolding methods), reaction rates
  • Activity, dose and cross-section measurement
  • Measurement of neutron transport parameters: stationary methods, pulsed neutron experiments
  • Measurement of reactivities (and reactivity coefficients): survey, static methods, dynamic measurements, inverse kineticsStatistical fluctuation method: reactor noise, mathematical
    analysis, applications (Rossi-alpha, sign correlations, zero crossings)

Acquis d'apprentissage (objectifs d'apprentissage) de l'unité d'enseignement

To provide the students with a comprehensive treatment of the corrosion and embrittlement degradation mechanisms of materials in nuclear environment.

Savoirs et compétences prérequis

Basic knowledge of materials science, chemistry and electrochemistry.

REFERENCE BOOKS ON PREREQUISITE

  • See website www.sckcen.be/bnen, Brochures and Info, Background books W. D'haeseleer (mathematics)
  • See introductory chapters in references above
  • See also: Roberge, P.R., Handbook of Corrosion Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 1999.

Activités d'apprentissage prévues et méthodes d'enseignement

Mode d'enseignement (présentiel ; enseignement à distance)

  • 1 t.m.
  • Visits to SCK*CEN laboratories (especially hot cells)

Lectures recommandées ou obligatoires et notes de cours

  • Fontana, M.G., Corrosion Engineering, 3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
  • Bogaerts, W.F., Active Library on Corrosion (CD-ROM), 2nd Ed., Elsevier, 1998.
  • Benjamin, M., Nuclear Reactor Materials and Applications, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1983.
  • Glasstone, S. & A. Sesonske, Nuclear Reactor Engineering, 4-th Ed, Vol 1, Chapman & Hall, New York, 1994 (Chapter 7: Reactor Materials, pp 406-462).
  • Cahn, R.W., Haasen, P., Kramer, E.J., Materials Science and Technology, Volume 10 B,
    Volume editor Frost B.R.T. , Chapters 7-9

Modalités d'évaluation et critères

Oral exam, written preparation.

Stage(s)

Remarques organisationnelles

Contacts

Eric van Walle: eric.van.walle@sckcen.be