THE APPLICABILITY OF ALUMINUM AND ALUMINUM ALLOYS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER-COOLED REACTORS

There are chiefly two difficulties in the use of aluminum and aluminum- alloys in water-cooled reactors: the low corrosion resistance at temperatures above 200 deg C and the low strength at high temperatures. The heavy attack by high-temperature water on aluminum and its common alloys is discussed. The effects of alloying elements on aluminum and the effects of radiation, PH value of water, the velocity of flow, and pressure are described. A discussion of the influence of alloying elements on strength and cross sections shows that the absorption index is a function of strength. The concentration of elements of higher cross sections than aluminum must be as low as possible. Using a new diagram for finding the absorption index of metals, aluminum, zirconium, and steels are compared. The limits of the compatibility of aluminum and its alloys are shown. (auth)