Application of Advance Neutron Detection Technology in Nuclear Industry Material

Neutron detection technology, with its advantages of deep penetration, isotope sensitivity, non-destructiveness, and the capability to conduct in-situ experiments, plays a crucial role in the research and development of nuclear industry materials. The China Institute of Atomic Energy, leveraging the China Advanced Research Reactor neutron science platform, has conducted neutron non-destructive testing research in key components of the nuclear industry. This includes nuclear fuel elements, pressurized water reactor cladding, pressure vessel steel, valve stem stainless steel, and new multi-component alloys for reactors. Through these efforts, they have obtained critical information such as the elemental distribution of fuel elements, hydrogen aggregation behavior in zirconium alloy cladding, welding residual stress in pressure vessel steel, nanoscale aging evolution of valve stems, and textures of nuclear-grade materials. These innovations provide essential methods and important data for the development of nuclear industry materials.