The average age of operating nuclear reactors worldwide, measured from their grid connection, is 31 years. The U.S. and France operate some of the oldest fleets, with average reactor ages of 41 and 36 years, respectively.
Date / Time:
February 26, 2025
11 AM CET
Venue:
Virtual
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To meet the low-carbon energy goals set by various countries and endorsed by international organizations, and to maximize the cost-effectiveness of existing infrastructure, authorities are extending the operational lifetimes of nuclear reactors beyond their original design plans. Numerical simulations support the certification efforts for these extensions by providing critical insights into the current condition of primary structural components, predicting the impact of prolonged operations, and helping mitigate potential risks.
One common cause of structural failure in reactors is fatigue—damage caused by repeated loading. Low-stress cyclic loading can initiate cracks, turning otherwise robust designs into costly failures.
In this webinar, we’ll explore methods for assessing where damage is likely to occur and evaluating the safety of reactor components. Additionally, we will demonstrate how to simulate crack initiation and propagation, providing insights into whether a crack poses a critical risk to the integrity of a component.
Nuclear engineers
