Researchers have made significant discoveries about how neutron radiation affects concrete. Their findings indicate that quartz crystals within concrete can heal themselves under radiation, potentially allowing nuclear power plants to operate for longer periods than initially thought. While the study highlights concerns about concrete degradation, it also offers promising insights into mitigating these risks.
It's been known for some time that radiation impacts the structural integrity of concrete. However, until now the details of this were unknown. Researchers can finally demonstrate what properties of concrete affect its structural characteristics under different neutron radiation loads. Their findings raise some concerns whilst reducing others; for example, quartz crystals in concrete can heal themselves, potentially allowing some reactors to run for longer than initially thought possible.
"Concrete is a composite material made up of multiple compounds. These can vary depending on various factors, including local geography, especially the rock aggregate which is a major component in concrete. But rock will often contain quartz. So, understanding how quartz changes under different radiation loads can help us predict how concrete should also behave in general," said Professor Ippei Maruyama from the Department of Architecture.
The team now aims to address several challenges in understanding the expansion behavior of different rock-forming minerals, further clarifying the mechanisms of expansion and developing the ability to predict the expansion of aggregates based on their material properties and environmental conditions. The team also seeks to predict the way cracks form based on mineral expansion. This research could contribute to the selection of materials and design of concrete for future nuclear power plants.
NUCLEAR POWER CONCRETE RADIATION QUARTZ CRYSTALS MATERIAL SCIENCE
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