I'm looking for information about t

[BarryMartin]

I'm looking for information about the effect of radiation on materials. In paticular, how contaimating elements effect the performance of materials such as stainless steels in a radioactive environment.

I have heard for example that copper is a problem in such a system. There was the suggestion that small amoutns of copper that might contaminate water and cause an adverse effect, such as stress cracking, in stainless.

True? False? Good information sources?

 

[vpl]

Barry,

Have you looked at NRC's home page (

http://www.nrc.gov)

lately? Obviously, with the issue of the hole in the head at Davis Besse, interaction of materials is a big concern with us right now.

You may also find some rather interesting information (although I won't verify the sanity of all the writers) if you search on stress corrosion crackin and inconel.

However, to answer your specific question, I believe the element of concern is chromium not copper. Although, in general, nuclear utilities try to keep reactor water as pure as possible. But that's to cut down on particles that could become radioactive. Questions on what gets something red-flagged? See FAQ faq731-376

Patricia Lougheed