Russian scientists have created new steel grades with improved properties for nuclear reactor vessels and other nuclear power facilities. The development was carried out by specialists from MIPT and VNIIA named after Dukhov using an artificial intelligence system.
The project included a full cycle — from collecting the database and training algorithms to experimental verification of the resulting alloys. Researchers note that alloyed steels with chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium are usually used for elements of nuclear power plants, providing high strength and stability in extreme conditions.
The developed AI system models new steel options by combining and changing their composition. The database included 294 grades and over 4 thousand sets of characteristics and heat treatment parameters. The algorithm takes into account microstructural parameters, which increases the accuracy of calculations.
As a result, the program proposed five new compositions that surpass existing analogues in terms of long-term strength, impact toughness, and yield strength. Tests have confirmed the promise of these steels for creating more reliable nuclear reactor vessels.
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