NUEVA METODOLOGÍA ASISTIDA POR ORDENADOR PARA LA SELECCIÓN DE MATERIALES DESTINADOS A LA INDUSTRIA NUCLEAR

Abstract

Since, in the design phase of the project, the materials selection is a difficult task it is necessary to have a methodology to help in the selection process of materials. The objective of this research work is the development of a computer-aided methodology for selecting materials standards. The comparison between two specifications of nuclear materials such as the SA-508 Cl.3 specification (described in ASME B&PV Code) and the DIN 20MnMoNi55 one (described in the KTA standards) was chosen as a case study. The methodology developed is based on a evaluation method of stringency of requirements using a numerical weighting process based on the opinion of a prestigious experts panel in selection of materials for the nuclear industry. The developed program has the advantage that after making any changes in the input parameters, the final value is recalculated instantly, being very useful in the early stages of project development. As a general conclusion, the result provided by the program suggests that DIN 20MnMoNi55 material is more suitable for the manufacture of nuclear reactor pressure-vessels. Thus, this methodology can be used for any set of specifications for this and other sectors.