IAEA CRP on the Prediction of Axial and Radial Creep in HWR Pressure Tubes

Abstract

Pressure tube deformation is a critical aging issue in operating Heavy Water Reactors (HWRs). According to the service year, horizontal pressure tubes have three kinds of deformation: diametral creep, longitudinal creep, and sagging. The Coordinated Research Project (CRP) scope includes the establishment of a database for pressure tube deformation, microstructure characterization of pressure tube materials collected from HWRs currently operating in Member States and development of a prediction model for pressure tube deformation.