Session: MF-04-01 European Programs in Structural Integrity-NUCOBAM Project

Paper Number: 122057

122057 - Nucobam Project, Nuclear Components Based on Additive Manufacturing 

NUCOBAM project aims at developing the qualification process and provide the evaluation of the in-service behaviour allowing the use of Additively Manufactured (AM) components in a nuclear installation. Once qualified, the use of AM will allow nuclear industry to (1) tackle component obsolescence challenges and (2) manufacture and operate new components with optimised design in order to increase reactor efficiency and safety. In order to make this ambition a success, NUCOBAM will conduct the required studies to implement AM process in nuclear design codes and standards to produce components for nuclear power generation equipment.

The first part consists in characterization of the materials manufactured by Laser Power Bed Fusion (LPBF) process in order to establish a qualification and codification process. The second part is dedicated to the evaluation of AM material behaviour in-service, especially regarding the main degradation mechanisms that occur in LWR (thermal ageing, irradiation, …). Materials are manufactured and some of them are then submitted to post-treatment (heat treatment or high isostatic pressure). Results are analysed and compared with existing approved manufacturing processes by design codes. This work will lead to evaluate and deduce the main parameters required for specification.

The consortium thus involves electricity utilities, operating nuclear assets, component manufactures, design owners, public service experts in nuclear and radiation risks as well as research and competence centres involved in mechanical assessment, metal powder qualification, metallurgical characterization, materials irradiations capabilities and nuclear power research.

Presenting Author: Myriam Bourgeois CEA

Presenting Author Biography: Myriam BOURGEOIS from CEA Saclay in France

Authors:

Gaëlle Leopold EDF
Myriam Bourgeois CEA