Materials Ageing and Degradation in Light Water Reactors

Light water reactors are the predominant class of nuclear power reactors in operation today. However, ageing and degradation can influence both the performance and lifetime of components. Knowledge of these factors is therefore critical to the provision of safe, continuous operation, and Materials ageing and degradation in light water reactors provides a comprehensive guide to prevalent deterioration mechanisms, and the approaches used to handle their effects. Part one introduces fundamental ageing issues and degradation mechanisms. Part two then considers materials ageing and degradation in specific light water reactor components, including properties, performance and inspection. Materials management strategies for light water reactors are then the focus of part three.