Preliminary Analysis of Long-Term Performance of a Piping: Aging and Creep Effects.

Combining global experience, comprehensive aging knowledge, and predictive methodologies provides ideal prerequisites for the long-term operation strategy (LTO) of a nuclear power plant (NPP). Applying management strategies with an understanding of the ways in which structures relevant for the plant safety perform and interact in their operating environments is of meaningful importance for operating the plant beyond its originally licensed service life. In performing aging studies on the nuclear systems, structure, and components (SSCs), the results are crucial for demonstrating the safety and reliability of the NPP beyond 30 years of nominal operation.

Aircraft Impact Effects on an Aged NPP.

The impact of an aircraft is widely known to be one of the worst events that can occur during the operation of a plant (classified for this reason as beyond design). This can become much more catastrophic and lead to the loss of strength of/collapse of the structures when it occurs in the presence of ageing (degradation and alteration) materials. Therefore, since the performance of all plant components may be affected by ageing, there is a need to evaluate the effect that aged components have on system performance and plant safety.

Manufacturing Technology of Ceramic Pebbles for Breeding Blanket.

An open issue for the fusion power reactor is the choice of breeding blanket material. The possible use of Helium-Cooled Pebble Breeder ceramic material in the form of pebble beds is of great interest worldwide as demonstrated by the numerous studies and research on this subject. Lithium orthosilicate (Li₄SiO₄) is a promising breeding material investigated in this present study because the neutron capture of Li-6 allows the production of tritium, 6Li (n, t) 4He.