The study of material behaviour under irradiation such as structural materials, coolants, and fuel materials is fundamental for the development of innovative SMR systems.
Understanding the combined impact of radiation, coolant environment, and high-temperature mechanical loading on the performance of materials subject to environmentally assisted degradation is crucial for the safe operation of small modular reactors.
This affects SMRs with various designs and coolant environments, ranging from light-water systems to heavy-liquid-metal-cooled systems and the molten-salt concept.
JRC research on materials for SMRs
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) focuses on addressing materials technology for both water-cooled and non-water-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs).
Key research activities
- Environmental degradation assessment
Investigating stress-corrosion and irradiation-assisted stress corrosion in heavy liquid metal and molten salt coolants. - Testing and irradiation methodologies
Developing best practices for mechanical testing, including nano- and micromechanical tests and small specimen testing. - Equivalence schemes for irradiation effects
Creating methods to emulate neutron irradiation effects using proton or ion irradiation. - Additive manufacturing
Exploring advanced manufacturing techniques for producing irradiation-resistant materials and components. - Molten salt testing infrastructure
Contributing to the establishment of a dedicated molten salt environmental testing laboratory.
Research Infrastructure
The research leverages advanced data management to create machine learning algorithms for data analysis. It builds on the exploitation of JRC’s specialised laboratories:
European standardisation programme
The European standardisation Programme for 2025 aims to support the EU's strategic priorities, including
- decarbonization
- circular economy
- enhancing industrial competitiveness.
EU Funded Euratom Horizon Europe projects
Learn about scientific research around SMR' structural materials under the EU-funded Euratom Horizon Europe programme: