Students learn the basic principles of physical properties evaluation for solid materials required to decommissioning of nuclear reactors using the text. Students also learn fundamentals of handling non-sealed radioisotopes, contamination tests and decontamination, exposure prevention of exposure etc. Students use a cutting machine, a polishing machine and a mortar in a hood and a glove box to prepare the evaluation radioactive samples. Students identify the crystalline phases and calculate the lattice parameters of the radioactive materials with XRD, and measure their thermal conductivity by laser-flash method. In addition, tensile test for zircaloy used as fuel cladding tube material and other metallic materials is conducted under hydrothermal condition, and the effect of environment on mechanical properties of materials is learned. Furthermore, simulated fuel debris is prepared, and their crystalline phases are identified with XRD and their hardness is measured with hardness tester, and students understand the properties of fuels debris.
Students learn evaluation methods for solid materials required to decommissioning of nuclear reactors by conducting experiments using radioactive ceramic samples. Students also learn how to handle radioactive materials, decontaminate, and evaluate personal dosage. (The content of Experiments for Materials related to Decommissioning A is the same as A and B. A student can register either A or B)
Experiment, Radioactive materials, Radiation control area, Protection of radiation exposure, Properties of solids, Thermal property, Mechanical property, Radiation damage
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
1) In the first lecture, fundamentals of controlled area, handling radioactive isotopes, evaluation of materials properties, and outline of this experiment are explained.
2) Experiments are conducted according to the textbook distributed in this experiment.
3) Attendance of students is checked in every class. Tardiness is not permitted.
4) Participants are divided into several groups in the experiment, and the experiment is conducted under the guidance of instructors and TAs.
5) After the completion of this experimental course, each student must prepare and submit a report.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Fundamentals of controlled area and handling RI, basic principles of physical properties evaluation, outline of the experiment, preparation of the experiment | Understand the fundamentals of controlled area and handling RI, basic principles of physical properties evaluation |
Class 2 | Cold-run experiment (XRD, Thermal diffusivity measurement), Cutting, polishing and crushing non-radioative samples, Decontamination, Smear survey | Understand the necessity and the importance of cold-run, how to decontaminate and how to evaluate the surface contamination density by smear survey |
Class 3 | Cutting, polishing and crushing radioactive samples, XRD, Thermal diffusivity measurement, Decontamination, Smear survey (1) | Understand how to handle radioactive materials and the effect of environment on mechanical properties of materials |
Class 4 | Cutting, polishing and crushing radioactive samples, XRD, Thermal diffusivity measurement, Decontamination, Smear survey (2) | Understand how to handle radioactive materials and the effect of environment on mechanical properties of materials |
Class 5 | Preparation of simulated fuel debris, XRD, Hardness measurement | Understand the properties of simulated fuel debris |
Class 6 | Tensile test under hydrothermal condition | Understand the environment of nuclear reactor core and the corrosion of materials |
Class 7 | Microstructural observation of the samples after tensile test under hydrothermal condition, XRD | Understand how to observe the microstructure of the samples and how to identify the crystalline phases of the samples |
Class 8 | Evaluation of personal dosage (external and internal exposures) | Understand how to evaluate personal dosage, Prepare and submit the report |
Text is provided at the first class.
Shown in the text.
1) Student's course score are based on pre-experimental report, attitude for experiments and final report.
2) Full attendance and completion of all experiments are compulsory.
You need registration as radiation works (category A) because this experiment are conducted in the controlled area, and you handle non-sealed radioactive materials.
Katsumi Yoshida k-yoshida[at]nr.titech.ac.jp
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.