Structural materials for space fission reactors must be able to survive an extreme environment combining high temperature, intense neutron irradiation, and potential exposure to liquid metal coolants. Further, the reliability requirements are exceptionally high as the material may be required to operate for 15 - 20 years without the benefit of routine maintenance. A number of candidate materials for space fission reactors have been suggested for different space reactor programs, including stainless steels, superalloys, refractory alloys, and composite materials. There are no ideal candidate materials as all existing materials have both advantages and limitations. A careful analysis is required for each particular reactor design to determine the best structural material. More advanced materials may be available for future space fission reactors; however, a sustained research and development effort will be required to qualify these materials for service.
Space fission reactor structural materials: Choices past, present, and future
Konstruktionswerkstoffe für Raumfahrt-Kernreaktoren: Werkstoffwahl in der Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft
JOM - The Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society ; 59 , 4 ; 58-72
2007
15 Seiten, 6 Tabellen, 7 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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