Material Challenges for Nuclear Systems by Todd Allen - Article Example

This article gives an analysis of the reliance on fuel success and construction materials for the economical and safe operation of nuclear power systems. Due to the extreme temperatures of the nuclear reactor, the following examples are given of materials to be used in the construction. Most power plants have replaced alloy 600 with alloy 690 in the steam generator which is more resistant to corrosive cracking. Also in the base materials, there are weld joints (Allen et al. 27). There is also a need to make changes in the embedded reinforcement of steel.

Another case is the need to change the materials of construction in the reactors. The new design of the reactors would involve the inner structure's ability to tolerate high sodium levels. The composition of the materials to be used in the construction of the water reactor fuel rod is interesting. The materials include the expansion spring spacer, an end cap, and a fuel pellet inside the cladding. With this material combination then the alterations to be done on the nuclear power systems will lead to the economical and safe operation of nuclear power systems.