Evaluation of Ultrasonic Techniques on Concrete Structures

Materials issues are a key concern for the existing nuclear reactor fleet as material degradation can increase maintenance, downtime, and risk. Extending reactor life to 60 years and beyond will likely increase the reactor’s susceptibility to, and the severity of known forms of degradation. Additionally, new mechanisms of materials degradation are also possible. The purpose of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program is to develop technologies and other solutions that can improve the reliability, sustain the safety, and extend the operating lifetimes of nuclear power plants (NPPs) beyond 60 years.