The Study of Multiaxial Loading and Damage to the Structure and Materials in the PWR Steam Generator of Nuclear Reactor

Abstract

In Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), the steam generator is crucial for transferring heat from the primary to secondary cooling systems, vital for steam production to drive turbines, and central to nuclear power safety. This study explores recent research on multi-axial loading, structural integrity, and material durability in PWR steam generators, shedding light on key factors affecting these systems. Common corrosion-related degradation in steam generators often arises from design, material, and water chemistry factors. However, the shift to All Volatile Treatment (AVT), the development of advanced material alloys, and enhanced water quality control in primary and secondary systems have significantly reduced instances of steam generator degradation. These findings promise to enhance the reliability and safety of steam generators in future nuclear applications.