CEN WS064: Code Evolution and Pre-Normative Research for Generation IV Nuclear Reactor Design and Construction Codes

This paper presents the CEN WS064 Prospective Group 2, a project involving different European stakeholders from more than 20 organizations with the objective to identify the needs and propose code developments research for the nuclear design and construction code RCC-MRx for innovative reactors with more onerous operational conditions: i) reactor components are generally exposed to higher temperatures; ii) have innovative and more corrosive coolants such as liquid lead or molten salt; iii) materials and components are generally exposed to higher radiation levels than light-water reactors. The main outputs of the CEN WS064 are code evolution proposals and proposals for pre-normative research in support of code evolution. The code evolution is driven by further improving safety and cost reduction. Nuclear Design Codes are robust engineering tools but should incorporate new technologies and research. The paper describes the adopted methodologyand the rationale for identifying code evolution needs. Code evolution and research proposals will be discussed. Examples of proposals that will be discussed include: Guideline for design of material/components with innovative coolants, extension of design life to 60 years; qualification of new materials and components with advanced manufacturing. A general requirement is that code evolution and associated material and component qualification and codification need to be significantly accelerated for which new approaches such as AI tools will play an important role.

NILSSON Karl-Fredrik;  PÉTESCH Cécile; 

2024-10-31

ASM Internatonal

JRC139731

https://dl.asminternational.org/am-epri/AM-EPRI2024/volume/84871,    https://dl.asminternational.org/am-epri/proceedings/AM-EPRI2024/84871/784/32757,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139731,   

10.31399/asm.cp.am-epri-2024p0784 (online),