Leveraging Glenn-Research Copper for Heat Exchanger Integration in Pressurized Water Reactors

Overview

Operating conditions inside nuclear reactors promote material degradation, inhibiting the maturity of nuclear capabilities. In pressurized water reactors (PWRs), heat exchanger materials are optimized for strength rather than thermal conductivity, creating a need for conductive, radiation-resistant alternatives. This study investigates the microstructure and neutron irradiation response of Glenn-Research Copper (GRCop) alloys - currently applied in high-heat flux aerospace applications - for PWR use. After annealing at 773K for two hours, GRCop-84 maintained its nanocrystalline microstructure. The retention of nanocrystallinity at high temperatures is uncommon in nanocrystalline copper-based alloys and current PWR structural components alike, increasing neutron irradiation damage tolerance and enhancing yield strength. Simulations of cascade damages reveal that the surface damage profile of GRCop is slightly deeper than current PWR components. Overall, these results support the potential implementation of GRCop in PWRs and encourage future work into the irradiation damage response of GRCop.

Awards (3)

• Special Award
• Bronze Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Energy

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