Reactor reliability

The average operational life of reactors has risen to 60 years. Because of this it is necessary to prove that the materials can resist the radiation. Even higher standards will be required for materials to be used in new reactors. These materials must be resistant to high temperatures and radiation.

Furthermore PALLAS will contribute to the development of future reactors that are more sustainable and safe (Generation IV). PALLAS can determine which material and nuclear fuels can be used best in terms of safety and economics based on new reactor designs. Thus PALLAS will be used for the development of the High Temperature Reactor (HTR) with research into the fuel composition (graphite balls with granular fuel structure). The life span of this graphite determines the life span of this type of reactor.

In PALLAS vital materials used in reactors will be tested. With the high neutron flux the ageing processes can be simulated in a relatively short period of time. We will be able to determine the future behavior of materials. In this way, for example, we can predict the quality and structure of materials such as steel or graphite after irradiation in a reactor for several years.Based on this, safety and economic analyses can be made.