HOME > Activities > Project Subjects > Nuclear power technology
Nuclear power is the cornerstone for a stable power supply, now and in the future, and it will continue to play an important role in ensuring energy security and the response to global environmental problems. Safety and reliability are important factors in the use of nuclear power.
CRIEPI conducts research and development concerning technologies for the safe operation of generating equipment, safe and appropriate management of fuel and waste, and other key areas.
Stress corrosion cracking mechanism study and integrity evaluation
To contribute to the establishment of more rational maintenance code, we evaluate the initiation and propagation behaviors of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of the materials used for light water reactor components.(Photo: Advanced testing facility for environment of high temperature water in Yokosuka [SAFETY])
Irradiation embrittlement and integrity evaluation of pressure vessel steel
Understanding the microstructural changes in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels due to neutron irradiation is very important for the accurate prediction of irradiation embrittlement. We use the atom probe tomography technique, which allows us to measure the type and location of individual atoms on the nano-meter scale, to characterize microstructural changes in terms of solute atom clustering in RPV steels.(Photo: Three dimensional atom probe apparatus)
Evaluation of pipe wall thinning in nuclear power plants
In order to predict the liquid droplet impingement (LDI) erosion that occurs in the vent lines in actual plants, we conduct research to clarify the correlation between flow and wall thinning due to LDI by carrying out wall thinning tests involving impingement tests of test specimens in wet steam at high speed.(Left: Wall thinning test using steam test equipment; Right: Specimen of wall thinning and depth profile of wall thinning)
Evaluation of underground radioactive waste repository
In underground repositories of high-level radioactive waste, it is necessary to understand and evaluate the behavior of bedrock and barrier material around the waste over several thousand years. Thus, we are studying the behavior using test equipment containing a rotating arm 6.4 m in diameter, which makes it possible, by its centrifugal acceleration, to reproduce the phenomena of several thousand years in a few months.(Figure: Outline drawing of bedrock test equipment using ultralong-term centrifugal loading)
Investigation of the successive rupture mechanism of several active faults
When several active faults rupture simultaneously, the resulting severe earthquake might affect the operation of nuclear power stations. We are thus studying the successive rupture mechanism of several active faults, by comparing some fault features observed under the ground surface and some information such as geological structures, fault geometry and related characteristics observed in microearthquakes.(Figure: Example of microearthquake observation results)
Study on practical applications of concrete casks for spent nuclear fuel storage
In order to realize the practical use of concrete casks with high cost efficiency, CRIEPI is evaluating quantitatively the sea salt that adheres to the surface of the inner canister (a stainless steel container) and is developing a technology for reducing the sea salt.
Elucidating the effects of low dose rate radiation on organisms
In order to obtain scientifically proper knowledge of the effects of low dose rate radiation on living organisms, we are conducting studies using a facility, quite rare worldwide, that allows mice to be raised under conditions of long-term exposure to radiation. We have discovered many phenomena that cannot be explained by conventional concepts, and we are carrying out research to clarify the mechanisms involved.
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HOME > Activities > Project Subjects > Nuclear Technology
