1. Requirements

Nuclear power plants use a large number of steels and alloys of different types and properties, from the most sophisticated to the most conventional. We will focus on those used in nuclear boilers, particularly pressurized water boilers, i.e. the reactor vessel and internal components, steam generators and associated primary circuit components: piping, pumps and other pressurized capacities. They give a good idea of the general issues surrounding materials for the nuclear industry.